This document created by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation – Building Codes and Standards Office – 850-487-1824	

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IBC - GENERAL - FIRE SAFETY - FIRE TAC

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Copyright Notice: This document has been reproduced solely for considering proposed changes to the Florida Building Code with the permission of the International Code Council, Inc., is the copyrighted property of the International Code Council, Inc., all rights reserved, and may not be further reproduced or distributed.
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Code Change No: G4-15

Original Proposal

Section: 202 (New)

Proponent: Marcelo Hirschler, representing GBH International (gbhint@aol.com)

Add new definition as follows:

CHILDREN'S PLAY STRUCTURE. A structure composed of one or more components, where the user enters a play environment that utilizes combustible materials.

Reason: Sections 402.6.3 and 424 of the IBC contain requirements regarding children's play structures. However, no definition exists and there have been discussions that there is some ambiguity about what is meant by the term. The concept incorporated into this definition is that a children's play structure is one that: (a) is constructed of combustible materials, (b) is a structure into which the user (typically a child) enters and (c) has at least one structural component.
A separate definition is being proposed for "soft contained play equipment structure", which is mentioned in items 3,6 and 7 of 424.2.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction This proposal simply adds a definition.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

CHILDREN'S PLAY STRUCTURE. A structure composed of one or more components, where the user enters a play environment that utilizes combustible materials.

Committee Reason: This is a necessary and useful definition. The modification eliminating the last 4 words makes the proposal palatable.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G4-15	AM

Code Change No: G9-15

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Original Proposal

Section(s):	202

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org); Michael O'Brian, Chair, Fire Code Action Committee (fcac@iccsafe.org); Edward Kulik, Chair, Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

SLEEPING UNIT. A room single unit providing rooms or space in which people sleep, which spaces for one or more persons, which can also include permanent provisions for living, eating, sleeping, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling
unit are not sleeping units.

Reason: Some hotel rooms, assisted living and dormitories are designed as suites. In a hotel or assisted living space, common designs are one or two bedrooms a living space and private bath. In a dorm, common designs are two rooms with a private bath between; or three or four bedrooms with a living space and private bathrooms. These units act as a group similar to an apartment. Currently the definition for sleeping unit could be interpreted to be just a bedroom. When these bedrooms are combined into suites, they should be considered as one sleeping unit.

This is part of a group of proposals to address this style of design and group homes within single family residences. Changes are proposed for the definition for sleeping units, the Group classifications in Section 310.4 and 310.5, separation requirements in Section 420, and coordination with accessibility requirements in Section 1107. Proposals will be put forward as part of Group B for fire and smoke alarm systems. The proposals could work separately.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the Care Facilities Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource

documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx
This ICC committee was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof.  This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the Fire-CAC has held 10 open meetings and numerous Regional Work Group and Task Group meetings and conference calls which included members of the committees as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes. Related documentation and reports are posted on the FAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CAC/Pages/default.aspx?usertoken={token}&Site=icc
The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.
Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction This will increase design options and is a clarification.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: The change provides clarity that sleeping units are just a single room but can be a collection of rooms. The revision increases design options for sleeping rooms. There was concern that the revision could be read to not ever require a sleeping area in a sleeping room. Such is not the intent of the proposal.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 2:
Maureen Traxler, representing Seattle Dept of Planning & Development (maureen.traxler@seattle.gov) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

SLEEPING UNIT. A single unit providing rooms or spaces for one or more persons, which persons, that includes permanent provisions for sleeping, and can also include permanent provisions for living, eating, sleeping, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units.

Commenter's Reason: The essence of a sleeping unit is that it's a place where people sleep. In the original proposal, provisions for sleeping are optional--this comment makes sleeping accommodations a mandatory feature of a sleeping unit.

Final Hearing Results

G9-15	AMPC2

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Code Change No: G13-15

Original Proposal

Section: 202 (New)

Proponent: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (vickie@intercodeinc.com)

Add new definition as follows:

GREENHOUSE. A structure or thermally isolated area of a building that maintains a specialized sunlit environment exclusively used for, and essential to, the cultivation, protection or maintenance of plants.

Reason: Greenhouses are a type of special structure intended to create and maintain a unique sunlit environment used exclusively for, and essential to, the cultivation and protection or maintenance of plants. This definition intends to clarify that it is the unique ENVIRONMENT of the structure, not the structure itself or the presence of plants that makes such a structure a greenhouse.
Buildings made for human habitation maintain specific lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling that is suitable for the health and welfare of humans and their property, even though plants can co-exist in such environments. The main distinguishing feature between a greenhouse and other structures is that the environment in a greenhouse is designed and maintained exclusively for, and is essential for the aggressive propagation of plants used by commercial growers for plant production. However, other activities can be conducted in a greenhouse such as retail business, research by schools and universities, conservation, education, display by botanical institutions holding documented collections of specialty plants, and similar activities. Most importantly, the unique environment must be carefully controlled for the environment specific to the plants in the greenhouse; otherwise, the plants will not survive.
For that reason, this proposed definition ONLY addresses greenhouse structures, and NOT other spaces such as sunrooms, solariums, glass enclosed walkways, atria or other types of interior spaces that permit ample sunlight and ventilation so as to prominently feature plants for aesthetic purposes.
Although there are numerous requirements for greenhouses in the IBC, there is currently no definition of "greenhouse" in the IBC.
The definition makes a distinction between structures as mentioned above. Making this distinction between greenhouses and other sunny interior spaces and structures with plants and/or planted areas will help code enforcers apply the appropriate code requirement for such spaces.
This proposal for a definition for greenhouses was approved for the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no cost impact related to this proposal because this code change only adds a new definition to the code.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

GREENHOUSE. A structure or thermally isolated area of a building that maintains a specialized sunlit environment exclusively used for, and essential to, the cultivation, protection or maintenance of plants.

Committee Reason: The modification removed the word 'exclusively' because it is clear from the actions already taken, that the greenhouse uses are not 'exclusive' to plant cultivation. It was acknowledged that this will differ from the IECC definition. The IBC needs a definition. This action, as modified gives a pointer to the Energy Committee to revise the IECC definition in the next cycle.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G13-15	AM

Code Change No: G14-15

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Original Proposal

Section: 202 (New)

Proponent: Michael O'Brian, representing Fire Code Action Committee (fcac@iccsafe.org)

THIS PROPOSAL WAS HEARD BY THE FIRE SAFETY COMMITTEE.

Add new definition as follows:

OPENING PROTECTIVE. A fire door assembly, fire shutter assembly, fire window assembly or glass- block assembly in a fire-resistance-rated wall or partition.

Reason: This proposal is submitted by the ICC Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC). This ICC committee was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. The Fire-CAC has held 10 open meetings and numerous Regional Work Group and Task Group meetings and conference calls for the current code development cycle which included members of the committees as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes. Related documentation and reports are posted on the FAC website at:http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CAC/Pages/default.aspx?usertoken={token}&Site=icc
This term is used extensively in the code, including the title of Section 716, but is not always understood by code users. This definition provides clarity.
The FCAC opening protective work group included interested industry and testing lab representatives working together to make this section more user friendly. The work group unanimously agreed on a number of proposed changes to IBC Section 716, including this one.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change proposal only adds a definition of this term.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee agreed that this is an appropriated definition to be in the IBC as term is used extensively in the code, including the title of Section 716, but is not always understood by code users. Further, the committee indicated that a public comment should be submitted to exclude floor assembly opening protectives.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G14-15	AS

Code Change No: G15-15

Original Proposal

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Section: 202

Proponent: John Woestman, Kellen Company, representing Composite Lumber Manufacturers Association (CLMA) (jwoestman@kellencompany.com)

THIS PROPOSAL WAS HEARD BY THE FIRE SAFETY COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

PLASTIC COMPOSITE. A generic designation that refers to wood/plastic composites and, plastic lumber, and similar materials.

Delete without substitution:

PLASTIC LUMBER. A manufactured product made primarily of plastic materials (filled or unfilled) which is generally rectangular in cross section.

WOOD/PLASTIC COMPOSITE. A composite material made primarily from wood or cellulose-based materials and plastic.

Reason: This proposal is intended to be clarifications and simplification of the requirements for plastic composites identified in this section.
The 2015 IBC included, for the first time, specific requirements for plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, and guard systems. The existing language was developed and finalized during the 2012 code development cycle for the IBC. The following year, the requirements in the IRC for these same products were revised, but the result is there are some differences between the IBC and the IRC. This code change proposal is an effort to move the language of the IBC to be in close alignment with the language of the IRC.
The revised definition would address plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, and guard systems made with such recycled material as carper fiber or material such as mineral-filled PVC.
The two definitions proposed for deletion are also not included / deleted in the IRC. The two deleted definitions are not needed as the terms are self-explanatory.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
No cost implications. No technical changes to the code requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

PLASTIC LUMBER. A manufactured product made primarily of plastic materials (filled or unfilled) which is generally rectangular in cross section.

WOOD/PLASTIC COMPOSITE. A composite material made primarily from wood or cellulose-based materials and plastic.

Committee Reason: Although this is lacking a description of what “similar materials” might be the committee agreed that this was a good idea to include plastic composite deck boards, stair treads, and guard systems made with such recycled material as carper fiber or material such as mineral-filled PVC. The modification puts back the definitions of plastic lumber and wood/plastic composite as these definitions provide clarification to code users.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G15-15	AM

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Code Change No: G16-15

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Mike Fischer, Kellen Company, representing the Plastic Glazing Coalition of the American Chemistry Council (mfischer@kellencompany.com)

THIS PROPOSAL WAS HEARD BY THE FIRE SAFETY COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

PLASTIC GLAZING. Plastic materials that are glazed or set in frame or sash and not held by mechanical fasteners that pass through the glazing material.

Reason: The current definition of Plastic Glazing includes a restriction on attachment that is arbitrary and unnecessary. Many plastic glazing elements include penetrations as well as attachment hardware that passes through the glazing material. This restriction should not be in a definition; all other structural, fire, and safety provisions in the IBC apply.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction The proposal adds no new requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee agreed that having the mechanical fastening requirement in the definition was unnecessary and overly restrictive. This would allow for other fastening methods.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G16-15	AS

Code Change No: G18-15

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Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

PRIVATE GARAGE. A building or portion of a building in which motor vehicles used by the owner
or tenants of the building or buildings on the premises are stored or kept, without provisions for repairing or servicing such vehicles for profit.

Reason: Private garages can also be used by the owners of the building.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code proposal will not increase the cost of construction. It permits additional use of the building.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides an important clean up to the code. It may be appropriate to further revise to clarify that the tenants of the associated building can use the private garage whether they are the owners of the building or rentors.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G18-15	AS

Code Change No: G19-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 202 (New)

Proponent: Marcelo Hirschler, representing GBH International (gbhint@aol.com)

Add new definition as follows:

SOFT CONTAINED PLAY EQUIPMENT STRUCTURE. A children's play structure containing one or more components where the user enters an enclosed play environment that utilizes pliable materials.

Reason: Section 424 discusses children's play structures and a definition is being proposed for that. Items 3, 6 and 7 of 424.2 also talks about "soft-contained play equipment structures", and a definition is being proposed for that as well, to identify that "soft- contained play equipment structures" are those that contain pliable materials and where the user is enclosed.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction Simply adds a definition.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

SOFT CONTAINED PLAY EQUIPMENT STRUCTURE. A children's play structure containing one or more components where the user enters a an enclosed play environment that utilizes pliable materials.

Committee Reason: This proposal adds a useful definition that clarifies the application of the code. The modification removed the word "enclosed" as it added confusion.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G19-15	AM

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Code Change No: G21-15

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

THIS PROPOSAL WAS HEARD BY THE FIRE SAFETY COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

VAPOR RETARDER CLASS. A measure of a material or assembly's ability to limit the amount of moisture that passes through that material or assembly. Vapor retarder class shall be defined using the desiccant method with Procedure A of ASTM E 96 as follows:

Class I: 0.1 perm or less.
Class II: 0.1 < perm ≤ 1.0 perm.
Class III: 1.0 < perm ≤ 10 perm.

Reason: To make IBC and IRC definitions of vapor retarder class more consistent by adding reference to Procedure A of ASTM E
96. The IRC definition also should be later adjusted to be more grammatically correct and consistent with the IBC (e.g., the
IRC definition reads "A measure of a material or assembly to limit..." which misses the word "ability" included in the IBC definition).

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is a definition editorial change to coordinate codes with no cost impact.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee agreed that this proposal properly refers to the correct Procedure of the testing. This change also aligns the requirements of the IBC and the IRC.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G21-15	AS

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Code Change No: G22-15

Original Proposal

Section(s):	304.2, 308.2, 310.2, 402.2, 406.2, 410.2, 411.2, 412.2, 423.2, 502.1, 702.1, 802.1, 902.1,
1002.1, 1102.1, 1202.1, 1402.1, 1502.1, 1602, 1602.1, 1609.2, 1612.2, 1613.2, 1615.2, 1702.1, 1802.1,
2102.1, 2202.1, 2302.1, 2402.1, 2502.1, 2602.1, 3102.2, 3105.2, 3110.2, 404.1.1, 408.1.1, 722.1.1, [F]
307.2, [F] 415.2, [F] 421.2

Proponent: Sarah Rice, Preview Group, representing Preview Group

Revise as follows:

304.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY. CLINIC, OUTPATIENT.

[F] 307.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:
(The lists of terms in this and subsequent sections would be deleted.)

308.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

310.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

402.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

404.1.1 Definition. The following term is Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

406.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:
408.1.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

410.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

411.2 Definition. The following term is Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

412.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2.

[F] 415.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

[F] 421.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

423.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:
502.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

702.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

722.1.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

802.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:
902.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

1002.1 Definitions. The following termsTerms are defined in Chapter 2:

1102.1 Definitions. The following termsTerms are defined in Chapter 2:

1202.1 General. The following termsTerms are defined in Chapter 2:

1402.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:
1502.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

1602.1 Definitions. and notations The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2, The following notations are used in this chapter:

1609.2 Definitions. For the purposes of Section 1609 and as used elsewhere in this code, the following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2.

1612.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

1613.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

1615.2 Definitions. The following words and terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

1702.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

1802.1 Definitions. The following words and terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

2102.1 General. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2. The following notations are used in the chapter:

2302.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

2402.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

2502.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

2602.1 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

3102.2 Definitions. The following terms Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

3105.2 Definition. The following term is Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

3110.2 Definition. The following term is Terms are defined in Chapter 2:

Reason: The intent of this proposal is to remove the definition list sections scattered about the code and the lists of defined terms included within each such section. Starting with the 2012 edition of the IBC all of the definitions were consolidated into Chapter 2. These sections are vestigages of historic organization of the code. In general when new terms are added to Chapter 2, they rarely find themselves being added to one of these lists. Terms can be removed from Chapter 2, but don't always get removed from these lists. Most of the ICC codes simply have a Chapter 2 of definitions, there are no lists scattered about the code. It is time to remove these lists. I see this as an editorial action. The proposal was not accepted by the Code Correlation Committee because of a concern that the language in each section implied that all terms were defined. I have revised that language to provide a simple reference for defined terms.
This proposal simply amends the sections to remove the lists and send the code users directly to Chapter 2. An alternative the committee might consider is to delete all of these sections (except the two that list notations). Deletion would force renumber of the balance of the sections in these chapters.
In two sections, these lists also contain a list of scientific notations used in the chapter. Those notations are not found in Chapter 2. Thus the current text is incorrect and needs to be addressed. The proposal retains Section 1602 and 2102, but only for the listed notations.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal is purely editorial in nature and will have no impact on actual construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: The proposal reduces redundancy in the code and simplifies the search for information. With each defined term italicized, the code user will go directly to Chapter 2 where the full definitions are found. The listings in front of the chapter provided no information for the code user. The intent of the committee was to change to the lists to a simple reference to Chapter 2 with the exception of those locations where the lists also included scientific notations. The notations would remain in the Chapters.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Maureen Traxler, representing Seattle Dept of Planning & Development (maureen.traxler@seattle.gov) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

304.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2.

[F] 307.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

308.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

310.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

402.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

404.1.1 Deﬁnition. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2:

406.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

408.1.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

410.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

411.2 Deﬁnition. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

412.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

[F] 415.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

[F] 421.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

423.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 502 DEFINITIONS

502.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 702 DEFINITIONS

702.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

722.1.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2:

SECTION 802

DEFINITIONS

802.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 902 DEFINITIONS

902.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 1002 DEFINITIONS

1002.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 1102 DEFINITIONS

1102.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2:

SECTION 1202 DEFINITIONS

1202.1 General. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 1402 DEFINITIONS

1402.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 1502 DEFINITIONS

1502.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 1602 DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS

1609.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

1612.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

1615.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

1613.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 1702
 DEFINITIONS

1702.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 1802 DEFINITIONS

1802.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 2102 DEFINITIONS AND NOTATIONS

2102.1 General. Notations Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2. The following notations are used in the chapter:

SECTION 2202 DEFINITIONS

2202.1 Deﬁnitions. The following terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2:

SECTION 2302 DEFINITIONS

2302.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 2402 DEFINITIONS

2402.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 2502 DEFINITIONS

2502.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

SECTION 2602 DEFINITIONS

2602.1 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

3102.2 Deﬁnitions. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

3105.2 Deﬁnition. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

3110.2 Deﬁnition. Terms are deﬁned in Chapter 2

Commenter's Reason: This comment deletes the definitions sections from all the chapters except Chapter 2. The original proposal deletes the lists of defined terms but leaves the statement "Terms are defined in Chapter 2." While we agree wholeheartedly with the spirit of the original proposal, we would like to take it to its logical conclusion and delete the entire sections. The text added in the original proposal doesn't add anything to the code; it's only purpose is to avoid renumbering the chapters. Everyone who has basic knowledge about the organization of the IBC, or who understands why terms are italicized knows that terms are defined in Chapter 2. For Sections 1602.1 and 2102.1, this comment lists the definitions that should be deleted in order to be very clear that the notations must remain in those sections.

Commenter's Reason: The essence of a sleeping unit is that it's a place where people sleep. In the original proposal, provisions for sleeping are optional--this comment makes sleeping accommodations a mandatory feature of a sleeping unit.

Final Hearing Results

G22-15	AMPC1

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Code Change No: G24-15

Original Proposal

Section(s):	302.1, 503.1.4 (New)

Proponent: Stephen Thomas, representing Colorado Chapter (sthomas@coloradocode.net)

Revise as follows:

General. Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups listed in this section. A room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable to each of the purposes for which the room or space will be occupied. Structures with multiple occupancies or uses shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically provided for in this code, such structure shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved. Yards, patios, courts, occupied roofs and similar outdoor areas accessible to and usable by the building occupants shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved.

Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
Business (see Section 304): Group B.
Educational (see Section 305): Group E.
Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2.
High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.
Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.
Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M.
Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.
Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2.
Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U.

Add new text as follows:

503.1.4 Occupied roofs Occupied roofs are not subject to the building height, number of stories and building area limitations of Sections 504 and 506.

Reason: Many buildings are being built or altered to create an occupied roof. The code is not clear as to the requirements for these "spaces". Chapter 10 takes care of the means of egress requirements. But, the rest of the code does not address these issues.
Some areas are used as gathering spaces, dining areas, swimming pools, etc. The question has come up as to whether these uses are an "occupancy". Some jurisdictions classify them as occupancies and others do not. We were originally going to look at writing a much larger change that would state that they are not occupancies and provide exceptions throughout the code. However, the fact is that the code is an occupancy driven document. Therefore, we decided to use similar language in Section 302.1 combined with the language in Section 1004.5. An occupied roof would be classified to an occupancy that it most resembles. For example, a roof off of a private office would be classified as a Group B occupancy. However a roof above a restaurant would be classified as a Group A-2 occupancy.
We have also provided language stating that the height and area requirements do not apply to occupied roofs. We conducted a survey of several building departments and code consultants and found that most respondents did not require an occupied roof to comply with the height and area provisions of the code. We are also not aware of any issues with the use of a roof as an occupied space.
This proposal provides users of the code some guidance and clarification on how to apply the provisions to an occupied roof.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This change is a clarification to the code. It will not affect the overall cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: The testimony on this proposal and similar items clearly show that use of roofs needs to be clarified. The committee found the language of this proposal unclear and would still result in multiple interpretations. There was discomfort with the complete exemption allowed by the text of Section 503.1.4. Uses on roof must address issue of occupant safety as well as fire fighter access. Often planning/zoning regulations require open spaces and the solution is often the solution. The issue of whether an occupied roofs are considered a story or not. On a later proposal, the committee encouraged the proponents of the similar proposals try to get together to develop a solution for consideration at the public comment hearings.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 2:
Stephen Thomas, Colorado Code Consulting, LLC, representing Colorado Chapter ICC (sthomas@coloradocode.net); Ali Fattah, representing City of San Diego (afattah@sandiego.gov); Carl Wren, City of Austin, representing City of Austin, Texas (carl.wren@austintexas.gov); Gary Ehrlich, National Association of Home Builders , representing National Association of Home Builders (gehrlich@nahb.org); Jonathan Siu, City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development, representing City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development (jon.siu@seattle.gov); Lee Kranz, representing Washington Assoc of Building Officials Technical Code Development Committee (lkranz@bellevuewa.gov); Robert Davidson, representing self (RJDCodeConcepts@aol.com); Steven Orlowski, BOMA, International, representing Building Owners and Managers Association, International (sorlowski@boma.org); Marshall Klein, representing National Multifamily Housing Council (makleinfpe@comcast.net) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.
Modify as follows:

General. Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups listed in this section. A room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable to each of the purposes for which the room or space will be occupied. Structures with multiple occupancies or uses shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically provided for in this code, such structure shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved. Yards, patios, courts, occupied Occupied roofs and similar outdoor areas accessible to and usable by the building occupants shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved and shall comply with Section 503.1.4.

Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
Business (see Section 304): Group B.
Educational (see Section 305): Group E.
Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2.
High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.
Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.
Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M.
Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.
Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2.
Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U.

Occupied roofs Occupied A roof level or portion thereof shall be permitted to be used as an occupied roof provided the occupancy of the roof is an occupancy that is permitted by Table 504.4 for the story immediately below the roof. The area of the occupied roofs shall not be included in the building area as regulated by Section 506.

Exceptions:

The occupancy located on an occupied roof shall not be limited to the occupancies allowed on the story immediately below the roof where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5 is provided in the area of the occupied roof.

Assembly occupancies shall be permitted on roofs of open parking garages of Type I or Type II construction, in accordance with the exception to Section 903.2.1.6.

Elements or structures enclosing the occupied roof areas shall not extend more than 48 inches above the surface of the occupied roof.

Exception: Penthouses constructed in accordance with Section 1510.2 and building area limitations of Sections 504 towers, domes, spires, and 506 cupolas constructed in accordance with Section 1510.5.

Commenter's Reason: There were several proposed changes to deal with occupied roofs submitted for this code cycle. All of them were disapproved by the General Committee. The proponents of all of those proposals have come together to develop one public comment to address this important issue. Building departments are seeing more and more roofs being occupied. The purpose of this public comment is to provide some direction to the code official in dealing with these uses. The code defines a story as "that portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above." While other proposals have been submitted to address the question whether or not an occupied roof would add to the number of stories, it is the opinion of the submitters that the code already addresses when a portion of the building is considered a story as indicated in the definition of Story. An uncovered roof deck is clearly not a story, because there is no floor or roof above.
The first portion of the change (Section 302.1) is to clarify that occupied roofs are required to be classified as an occupancy. The codes are so occupancy driven that you cannot determine what is needed when an roof is occupied unless you determine an occupancy classification. As an example, if a roof is used for gathering of people, it would be classified as a Group A-3. If it was a roof where patrons were drinking and dining, you would classify it as a Group A-2. An occupied roof outside a private office would be classified as a Group B. It is based on the use and the relative hazard of the use just like any other space in a building.
The second portion (Section 503.1.4) provides direction as to where the occupancies can be located. If the building is not provided with fire sprinklers, the use cannot be located on the roof unless it is permitted on the story directly below. For example, an occupied roof used for gathering of people on top of an office building of Type VB Construction without fire sprinklers would be limited to the roof of a one-story building. However, under the first exception, if the building is provide with fire sprinklers, there is no limitation as to where the occupied roof is permitted to be located. It is intended that the fire sprinklers will provide protection from the story below the occupied roof. The second exception in 503.1.4 correlates this section with the exception to Section 903.2.1.6, which allows assembly occupancies on the roof of Type I or II open parking garages without sprinklers on all the floors below.
During the discussions of the public comment, some contributors expressed the concern that if an uncovered occupied roof had walls or screens surrounding it, for all intents and purposes, the occupied roof area functions as a story from a firefighting perspective, even though it technically does not meet the definition of a story. The second paragraph of Section 503.1.4 is intended to reduce the height of any barriers or obstacles around the occupied roof area, so it does not function as a story. The exception is intended to allow abutting penthouses, towers, domes, spires, and cupolas that comply with Section 1510 to exceed the 48" height limit. Note that other rooftop structures in Section 1510 such as mechanical equipment screens and "bulkheads" are intentionally not included in the exception, since they were the source of the concern. The specified rooftop structures are generally limited in extent as related to the occupied roof, so their walls were not judged to be a major obstacle.
All other requirements in the code regarding occupied roofs will not change. They will still need a means of egress and an accessible route. The only purpose of this proposal is to clarify whether they have an occupancy classification and where they can be located.

Final Hearing Results

G24-15	AMPC2

Code Change No: G27-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 303.4

Proponent: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (vickie@intercodeinc.com)

Revise as follows:

303.4 Assembly Group A-3. Group A-3 occupancy includes assembly uses intended for worship, recreation or amusement and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A including, but not limited to:

Amusement arcades Art galleries
Bowling alleys Community halls Courtrooms
Dance halls (not including food or drink consumption) Exhibition halls
Funeral parlors
Greenhouses with public access for the conservation and exhibition of plants Gymnasiums (without spectator seating)
Indoor swimming pools (without spectator seating) Indoor tennis courts (without spectator seating) Lecture halls
Libraries Museums
Places of religious worship
Pool and billiard parlors
Waiting areas in transportation terminals

Reason: Buildings made for human habitation maintain specific lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling levels that are suitable for the health and welfare of humans and their property, even though plants can co-exist in such environments. The main distinguishing feature between a greenhouse and other structures is that the environment in a greenhouse is designed and maintained exclusively for, and is essential for the aggressive propagation of plants.
However, other activities can be conducted in a greenhouse, such as retail business, research by schools and universities, conservation, education, display by botanical institutions holding documented collections of specialty plants, and similar activities. The intent of this proposal is to clarify that greenhouses, while typically determined to be Group U, are also used for public venues for the conservation and exhibition of specialty collections of plants, such as botanical gardens, private collections open to the public, and municipal parks. This proposal recognizes that trend, and helps code users and enforcers to consistently apply the requirements appropriately for greenhouses determined to be in this occupancy group.
Most importantly, even though the greenhouse is accessible by the public, it is still intended to maintain a unique environment with carefully controlled conditions specific to the plants in the greenhouse; otherwise, the plants will not survive. Greenhouses with public access for the conservation and exhibition of plants should not be confused with other sunlit interior spaces that feature plants for aesthetic purposes.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no cost impact related to this proposal because this code change only adds greenhouses to Group A-3.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This is one of a group of changes which provides clariity of the use of greenhouses. For the A occupancy, these are much like a museum or exhibition hall with the focus on the growth and maintenance of plants. The committee felt that adding this to the listing of A-3 occupancies is a good addition.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G27-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G36-15

Original Proposal

Section: 309.1

Proponent: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (vickie@intercodeinc.com)

Revise as follows:

309.1 Mercantile Group M. Mercantile Group M occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure or a portion thereof for the display and sale of merchandise, and involves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such purposes and accessible to the public. Mercantile occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Department stores Drug stores
Greenhouses with public access that maintain plants for display and sale Markets
Motor fuel-dispensing facilities Retail or wholesale stores Sales rooms

Reason: Buildings made for human habitation maintain specific lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling levels that are suitable for the health and welfare of humans and their property, even though plants can co-exist in such environments. The main distinguishing feature between a greenhouse and other structures is that the environment in a greenhouse is designed and maintained exclusively for, and is essential to maintain plants for display and sale. However, other activities can be conducted in a greenhouse, such as retail business, research by schools and universities, conservation, education, display by botanical institutions holding documented collections of specialty plants, and similar activities. Most importantly, the unique environment must be carefully controlled with conditions specific to the plants in the greenhouse; otherwise, the plants will not survive.
The intent of this proposal is to clarify that greenhouses, while typically determined to be Group U, are also commonly used for retail purchases by the public. This proposal helps code users and enforcers to consistently apply the requirements appropriately for greenhouses determined to be in this occupancy group.

Greenhouse for display and retail sales of plants intended for public access - Use Group M.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no cost impact related to this proposal because this code change only adds greenhouses to Group M.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: Of the group of greenhouse occupancy proposals, the use for Mercantile was felt to be the most obvious and logical.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G36-15	AS

Code Change No: G37-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 310.4, 310.5

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org); Michael O'Brian, Chair, Fire Code Action Committee (fcac@iccsafe.org); Edward Kulik, Chair, Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

Residential Group R-2. Residential Group R-2 occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including:

Apartment houses with three or more dwelling units
Boarding houses (nontransient) with more than 16 occupants Congregate living facilities (non-transient) with more than 16 occupants
Boarding houses (non transient) Convents
Dormitories
Fraternities and sororities Monasteries
Hotels (nontransient) Live/work units Motels (nontransient)
Vacation timeshare properties

Residential Group R-3. Residential Group R-3 occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature and not classified as Group R-1, R-2, R-4 or I, including:

Buildings that do not contain more than two dwelling units Boarding houses (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants Boarding houses (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants
Care facilities that provide accommodations for five or fewer persons receiving care
Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants Boarding houses (nontransient)
Convents Dormitories
Fraternities and sororities Monasteries
Congregate living facilities (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants
Boarding houses (transient)
Lodging houses with five or fewer guest rooms
Reason: Currently convents, dormitories, fraternities, sororities and monasteries are only listed as Group R-2. If these facilities are small enough (i.e., 16 or fewer occupants), they should be permitted to comply with Group R-3 requirements. This would be consistent with current allowances for boarding houses and non-transient congregate residences.
This is part of a group of proposals to address this style of design and group homes within single family residences. Changes are proposed for the definition for sleeping units, the Group classifications in Section 310.4 and 310.5, separation requirements in Section 420, and coordination with accessibility requirements in Section 1107. Proposals will be put forward as part of Group B for fire and smoke alarm systems. The proposals could work separately.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two

remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the Care Facilities Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx
This ICC committee was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof.  This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the Fire-CAC has held 10 open meetings and numerous Regional Work Group and Task Group meetings and conference calls which included members of the committees as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes. Related documentation and reports are posted on the FAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CAC/Pages/default.aspx?usertoken={token}&Site=icc
The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.
310.5 - congregate living facilities should not be indented

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction This will increase design options and is a clarification.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

Residential Group R-2. Residential Group R-2 occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including:

Apartment houses with three or more dwelling units
Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with more than 16 occupants Boarding houses (nontransient)
Convents
Dormitories
Fraternities and sororities Monasteries
Hotels (nontransient) Live/work units Motels (nontransient)
Vacation timeshare properties
Committee Reason: The proposal provides a needed clarification of the uses which can be either an R-2 or an R-3 based on size (number of occupants.). The modification removes text which is redundant with the charging language of Section 310.4. Since both R-2 and R-3 are required to be provided within automatic sprinkler system, occupants in both occupancies are afforded that protection.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G37-15	AM

Code Change No: G40-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section(s):	310.5, 310.5.2

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

Residential Group R-3. Residential Group R-3 occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature and not classified as Group R-1, R-2, R-4 or I, including:

Buildings that do not contain more than two dwelling units Boarding houses (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants Boarding houses (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants
Care facilities that provide accommodations for five or fewer persons receiving care
Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants
Congregate living facilities (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants
Owner-occupiedLodging houses (transient) with five or fewer guest rooms and 10 or fewer occupants

310.5.2 Lodging houses. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guest rooms and 10 or fewer occupants shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code.

Reason: This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments.
Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.
The purpose of this code change is to provide for further clarification of the correlation between the International Residential Code and the International Building Code. During the 2009/2010 code cycle, an exemption to IRC Section R101.2 was approved allowing owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms to be constructed under the IRC. However, a correlating provision was not added to the IBC, resulting in a conflict between the two codes and a potential for confusion in enforcement. Last cycle language was added to the IBC at the final action hearing to correlate the IBC with the IRC.
This proposal further refines the added language by inserting "owner occupied" which is a qualifier already in the IRC; by clarifying that the lodging use is of a "transient" nature consistent with other Group R-3 use language. It further ties in the 10 or fewer occupant load criteria which is also intended for consistency with the current Board house language, a lodging house is a form of a boarding house.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal will decrease the cost of construction by further clarifying that certain owner-occupied lodging houses can be constructed under the IRC rather than the IBC and by providing increased consistency of language and application.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: The committee found the dual limit confusing. What is the occupancy if there are 4 guest rooms but 12 occupants? There was reluctance to add 'owner occupied' to the code, even though it is consistent with the IRC.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Edward Kulik, representing ICC Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

310.5 Residential Group R-3. Residential Group R-3 occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature and not classified as Group R-1, R-2, R-4 or I, including:

Buildings that do not contain more than two dwelling units Boarding houses (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants Boarding houses (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants
Care facilities that provide accommodations for five or fewer persons receiving care
Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with 16 or fewer occupants
Congregate living facilities (transient) with 10 or fewer occupants
Owner occupied Lodging houses (transient) with five or fewer guest rooms and 10 or fewer occupants

310.5.2 Lodging houses. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guest rooms and 10 or fewer total occupants shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code.

Commenter's Reason: The purpose of this public comment is to address the committee comments as reflected in the ROCAH. The committee vote to disapprove the proposal was 8-6, a close vote which indicates the proposal had support from a number of the committee members.
Some committee members were hesitant about combining the number of guest rooms and number of occupants in one provision. Both elements are necessary in order to coordinate with the IRC while still maintaining internal consistency with the IBC. Occupant loads are not calculated in the IRC, hence the need to limit owner-occupied lodging houses by number of guest rooms to correlate with the existing exemption in the IRC. However, since there is no limit in either the IRC or IBC on the number of occupants in a guestroom, an overall limit on the number of occupants in the lodging house is needed to maintain consistency with the maximum number of occupants for other similar Group R-3 occupancies such as boarding houses and congregate living facilities. By adding "total", the public comment further clarifies that the maximum occupant load includes the owner and his family in addition to the occupants of the guest rooms.
The committee was also hesitant about adding the term "owner occupied" to Section 310.5, though it appears in Section
310.5.2 and in the IRC. The committee was correct that this creates an unintended consequence. If the Group R-3 classification is limited to owner-occupied houses, other lodging houses become Group R-1 or R-2 regardless of the number of occupants. This was not the BCAC's intent, and this public comment deletes the term "owner-occupied" from the listing in 310.5. The term is retained in
310.5.2 to correlate with the IRC for the specific case where the owner is present. Other lodging houses would still be able to be classified a Group R-3 occupancy.

Final Hearing Results

G40-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G43-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 311.1.1

Proponent: Stephen Thomas, Colorado Code Consulting, LLC, representing International Association of Building Officials (sthomas@coloradocode.net)

Revise as follows:

311.1.1 Accessory storage spaces. A room or space used for storage purposes that is less than 100 square feet (9.3 m2) in area and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as part of that occupancy. The aggregate area of such rooms or spaces shall not exceed the allowable area limits of Section 508.2.

Reason: The subject of storage rooms has been discussed since the first edition of the IBC. The original code considered storage rooms as incidental uses and required them to be separated from the remainder of the building or be provided with a fire extinguishing system. The original requirement was based on health care uses, but was not introduced that way. That provision was deleted from the Incidental Use Table because it was causing problems with the design of buildings and there was no technical justification to maintain the requirement.
The 2015 IBC was revised with the above section limiting the area to 100 square feet once again. However, it does not tell the user what to do if it exceeds 100 square feet. There was also no technical justification provided to support the 100 square foot limit. This proposal deletes the square footage limit as well as deleting the last sentence that did not give any direction as to what occupancy was to be used to determine the maximum aggregate area.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This change is a clarification of the code and reduction in the potential requirements. Therefore, it may be a reduction in construction cost.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The square footage limitation is unneeded. The limit is unneeded. Many felt that the elimination of the whole provision would be appropriate since the accessory occupancy regulation is adequately addressed.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G43-15	AS

Code Change No: G44-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 311.2

Proponent: Anthony Apfelbeck, City of Altamonte Springs Building/Fire Safety Division, representing City of Altamonte Springs (ACApfelbeck@altamonte.org)

Revise as follows:

311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1. Storage Group S-1 occupancies are buildings occupied for storage uses that are not classified as Group S-2, including, but not limited to, storage of the following: Aerosols, Levels 2 and 3
Aircraft hangar (storage and repair) Bags: cloth, burlap and paper Bamboos and rattan
Baskets
Belting: canvas and leather Books and paper in rolls or packs Boots and shoes
Buttons, including cloth covered, pearl or bone Cardboard and cardboard boxes
Clothing, woolen wearing apparel Cordage
Dry boat storage (indoor) Furniture
Furs
Glues, mucilage, pastes and size Grains
Horns and combs, other than celluloid Leather
Linoleum Lumber
Motor vehicle repair garages complying with the maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials listed in Table 307.1(1) (see Section 406.8)
Photo engravings Resilient flooring
Self-service storage (mini-storage) Silks
Soaps Sugar
Tires, bulk storage of
Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuff Upholstery and mattresses
Wax candles

Reason: This proposal clarifies that "self-service storage" facilities (otherwise known as mini-storage facilities) are an S-1 occupancy. Based on variable contents of these facilities, the S-1 occupancy classification appears to the be appropriate one. By including this term within the list of 311.2, it will provide additional clarity to the code for owners, developers, designers and code officials.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal does not change the occupancy classification of self-storage faclities but just provides greater clarity as to the occupancy classification of S-1. Therefore, there is no cost impact.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1. Storage Group S-1 occupancies are buildings occupied for storage uses that are not classified as Group S-2, including, but not limited to, storage of the following:

Aerosols, Levels 2 and 3
Aircraft hangar (storage and repair) Bags: cloth, burlap and paper Bamboos and rattan
Baskets
Belting: canvas and leather Books and paper in rolls or packs Boots and shoes
Buttons, including cloth covered, pearl or bone Cardboard and cardboard boxes
Clothing, woolen wearing apparel Cordage
Dry boat storage (indoor) Furniture
Furs
Glues, mucilage, pastes and size Grains
Horns and combs, other than celluloid Leather
Linoleum Lumber
Motor vehicle repair garages complying with the maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials listed in Table 307.1(1) (see Section 406.8)
Photo engravings Resilient flooring
Self-service storage facility ( (mini-storage) Silks
Soaps Sugar
Tires, bulk storage of
Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuff Upholstery and mattresses
Wax candles

Committee Reason: While most of the rest of the items listed under S-1 occupancy speaks to the items being stored, this is an actual use. This is a helpful addition. It provides clear understanding that such facilities are appropriate as S-1. Storage in these facilities are relatively unregulated, other than operational limits. The modification added 'facility' to the listed term for consistency with the defined term.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G44-15	AM

Code Change No: G47-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 312.1

Proponent: Jeffrey Betz, AT&T, representing AT&T (jbetz@att.com)

Revise as follows:

312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Agricultural buildings
Aircraft hangars, accessory to a oneor two-family residence (see Section 412.5) Barns
Carports
Communication equipment structures with a gross floor area of less than 1,500 square feet Fences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height
Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy Greenhouses
Livestock shelters Private garages Retaining walls Sheds
Stables Tanks Towers

Reason: This addition identifies the placement of communication equipment structures less than 1,500 sq ft gross into Group U. The selection of 1,500 sq ft is a typical structure size that would be visited infrequently by only authorized and knowledgeable personnel. The characteristics of "Structures housing accessory equipment that is part of a utility or communications system are often classified as Group U occupancies when there is no intent that these structures be occupied except for servicing and maintaining the equipment with the structure. A pump house for a water or sewage system or equipment building at the base of a telecommunication tower is an example of such buildings". (IBC 2009 and 2012 Code and Commentary Volume 1). This proposal memorializes the communication equipment structures under the U group and continues to require conformance to basis fire and life hazard while better identifying the occupancy and activities intended for the structure. The thousands of existing and future structures of this occupancy range from a small subterranean room, on-grade equipment housing or small communications structure visited only for equipment installation and maintenance will benefit from this clarification.

Bibliography: International Building Code and Commentary 2009 pages 3-50 and 51, 2012 page 3-40.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Proposal clarifies section 312 UTILITY AND MISCELLANEOUS GROUP U to specifically include Communications Equipment Structures less than 1,500 sq ft gross into the examples of Group U. This reduces the AHJ and applicants time in clarifying the correct group for this kind of structure and eliminates potential non-required construction expenses.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides clarity for the classification of these facilities. They are typically small and rarely have any occupants other occasional maintenance personnel. Hazards are relatively low; usually of non-combustible materials.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G47-15	AS

Code Change No: G48-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section(s):	312.1, 312.1.1 (New)

Proponent: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (vickie@intercodeinc.com)

Revise as follows:

312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Agricultural buildings
Aircraft hangars, accessory to a one or two-family residence (see Section 412.5) Barns
Carports
Fences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy Greenhouses
Livestock shelters Private garages Retaining walls Sheds
Stables Tanks Towers

Add new text as follows:

312.1.1 Greenhouses. Greenhouses not classified as Group A-3, B, Group E, F-2 or Group M shall be classified as Use Group U. Greenhouses that are accessory buildings to Group B, E or M occupancies, and utility or accessory greenhouses that are not classified in any specific occupancy shall be classified as Group U.

Reason: Greenhouses are a type of special structure intended to create and maintain a unique sunlit environment used exclusively for, and essential to, the commercial cultivation, protection or maintenance of plants. This proposal ONLY addresses commercial greenhouse structures and NOT other spaces such as sunrooms, solariums, glass enclosed walkways, atria or other types of interior spaces that permit ample sunlight so as to prominently feature plants for aesthetic purposes.
The majority of commercial greenhouses are truly agricultural structures that are classified as Group U.
The primary purpose of a greenhouse is for the propagation of plants. Many typical building requirements intended for human comfort, health, safety and welfare are not applicable or necessary for the construction or operation of greenhouses. However, this proposal is intended to clarify that some greenhouses can be used for other enterprises, such as retail business, research by schools and universities, conservation, education, display by botanical institutions holding documented collections of specialty plants, and similar activities. This proposal, along with the other proposals that modify the occupancies to include greenhouses, has created indicators to assist the designer and the code official to recognize when appropriate design distinctions should be made, and to help determine more consistently when a greenhouse should be classified as a use group other than Group U.

Greenhouse - Use Group U.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
THERE IS NO COST IMPACT RELATED TO THIS PROPOSAL BECAUSE THIS PROPOSAL MAINLY CLARIFIES EXISTING CODE LANGUAGE REGARDING GROUP U GREENHOUSES. THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT ADD REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUP B, E, OR M GREENHOUSES BEYOND WHAT THE CODE ALREADY REQUIRES FOR THOSE OCCUPANCIES.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified
Modify as follows:

312.1.1 Greenhouses. Greenhouses not classified as Group A-3, B, Group E, F-2 F-1 or Group M shall be classified as Use Group
U. Greenhouses that are accessory buildings to Group B, E or M occupancies, and utility or accessory greenhouses that are not classified in any specific occupancy shall be classified as Group U.

Committee Reason: The industry has asked us to provide clarity for the code officials in addressing these buildings. With the collection of proposals, greenhouses used for other occupancies will take precidence and only those not otherwise classified would fall to the Group U. The overall package may need some further refinement, but the committee felt this should be the beginning of the solution. The modifications changed F-2 to F-1 recognizing that plant materiels and the containers provide a level of combustible materials consistent with the F-1 occupancies. The second modification deletes language that is essentially redundant with the first sentence of the new section.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 3:
Kathleen Petrie, representing City of Seattle, Department of Planning and Development (kathleen.petrie@seattle.gov) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

312.1.1 Greenhouses. Greenhouses not classified as Group A-3, B, Group E, F-2 or Group M another occupancy shall be classified as Use Group U.

Commenter's Reason: Code proposals G29, G30, and G31 were disapproved by the committee, so the B, E, and F occupancies listed in G48 would not be applicable if the committee action is upheld. Occupancy groups may also change with future code cycles so it is best to keep the language of new Section 302.1.1 more general. Therefore, using the term "another occupancy" can apply to any occupancy a greenhouse may be categorized under.

Final Hearing Results

G48-15	AMPC3

Code Change No: G77-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 402.8.6.1

Proponent: Robert Davidson, representing Myself (RJDCodeConcepts@aol.com)

Revise as follows:

402.8.6.1 Exit passageways. Where exit passageways provide a secondary means of egress from a tenant space, doorways to the exit passageway exit passageways shall be protected by 1-hour fire door assemblies that are self- or automatic-closing by smoke detection constructed in accordance with Section 716.5.9.31024.

Reason: The purpose of this proposal is to point the user to all of the code requirements for exit passageways. The 1 hour fire- resistance rating is maintained, for openings Section 1024.5 points the user to Section 716 and applying that portion of the code maintains the requirement for the 1 hour rated fire doors, (see Table 716.5), and maintains the requirement for the smoke activated closure, (see Section 716.5.9.3, Item 3).
There has been cases of confusion in that a user looks at Sections 402.8.6.1 and 402.8.7 and interprets that these are the only sections needed to be complied with for an exit passageway in this occupancy. For example, the application of Section 1024.6 for penetration limitations. With the suggest change the level of protection is unchanged and application of the exit passageway requirements are clarified.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Since the modification clarifies application of the code there should be a reduction in unnecessary costs associated with correcting errors in construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The change points the code user to the correct provisions for the design and construction of exit passageways.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G77-15	AS

Code Change No: G80-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section(s):	403.2.1.1

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

Type of construction. The following reductions in the minimum fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Table 601 shall be permitted as follows:

For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IA construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the minimum fire-resistance ratings for the building elements in Type IB.

Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of columns supporting floors shall not be reduced.

In other than Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IB construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the fire-resistance ratings in Type IIA.
The building height and building area limitations of a building containing building elements with reduced fire-resistance ratings shall be permitted to be the same as the building without such reductions.

Reason: This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments.
Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx. During the last code development cycle the committee approved a code change proposal that clarified the allowance for H Group uses within a high-rise buildings. During the hearing, committee members correctly questioned why Group H was not included within Section 403.2.1.1 Exception 2 when Groups of a lesser fire hazard potential were included. Since Section 403.2.1.1 was not part of the proposal before the committee, there was no way to address the issue during last cycle.
This proposal addresses the issue identified by the committee and adds Group H to Section 403.2.1.1 Exception 2 wherein Groups F-1, M, and S-1 are currently restricted from lowering their type of construction.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
The cost of construction for a mixed occupancy high-rise containing an H Group occupancy will be increased by elimination of the ability to reduce the construction type.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: H occupancies are actually more hazardous that F-1 and S-1 and should be similarly restricted. If the specific H-occupancies should be specified, such could be revised via public comment.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 3:
Gregory Nicholls, representing The Preview Group (gnicholls@preview-group.com) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

Type of construction. The following reductions in the minimum fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Table 601 shall be permitted as follows:

For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IA construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the minimum fire-resistance ratings for the building elements in Type IB.

Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of columns supporting floors shall not be reduced.

In other than Group F-1, H-2, H-3, H-5, M and S-1 occupancies, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IB construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the fire-resistance ratings in Type IIA.
The building height and building area limitations of a building containing building elements with reduced fire-resistance ratings shall be permitted to be the same as the building without such reductions.

Commenter's Reason: The testimony at the hearings noted that additional scrutiny may be appropriate regarding whether or not all Group H occupancies should not be permitted the construction type reduction. Since Group H-4 involves toxics and corrosives and not fire hazards, there is no relevancy to requiring Group H-4 additional fire resistance to the structural frame. The construction type modification would still not be permitted for all other Group H occupancies, all of which do involve regulated fire hazards. The H-1 occupancy is also not listed because H-1 is exempt from the High-rise provisions in Section 403.1 and is limited to a single story, single occupancy, detached building.

Final Hearing Results

G80-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G81-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 403.5.2

Proponent: Raymond Grill, Arup, representing Arup (ray.grill@arup.com)

Revise as follows:

403.5.2 Additional interior exit stairway. For buildings other than Group R-2 and their ancillary spaces that are more than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, one additional interior exit stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3. The total width of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exit stairway removed shall be not less than the total width required by Section 1005.1. Scissor stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section.

Exception: An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008.

Reason: Ancillary spaces used as amenity space (e.g., rooftop terrace, pool, fitness center, clubhouse, etc.) that serve residential units are primarily used by the same occupants of the residential units, which should not drive the requirement for a redundant stair.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code proposal is intended to clarify application of the code. If anything, the cost impact of the change is that cost of construction will be reduced.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal clarifies that spaces that are supporting the R-2 uses, or are used exclusive by the residents, should not be used to trigger the extra stairway. The intent of exempting the R-2 occupancies shouldn't be undone by support and common use spaces. This adds clarity for spaces used by the building occupants.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G81-15	AS

Code Change No: G83-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 403.5.2

Proponent: Jonathan Siu, City of Seattle, Department of Planning and Development, representing Washington Association of Building Officials Technical Code Development Committee (jon.siu@seattle.gov)

Revise as follows:

403.5.2 Additional interior exit stairway. For buildings other than Group R-2 that are more than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, one additional interior exit stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3. The total width capacity of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exit stairway removed shall be not less than the total width capacity required by Section 1005.1. Scissor stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section.

Exception: An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008.

Reason: This proposal is a clarification to reflect what we believe was intended when this section was placed into the IBC. In the 2015 code, egress "width" and "capacity" were carefully separated in Chapter 10. "Width" refers to a minimum dimension stated in the code for a particular egress component. "Capacity" now refers to a dimension that is calculated based on an occupant load. It appears that the code change that made this separation did not address this section, and the failure to do so results in a question as to what was intended. We believe that the intent is to maintain the capacity of the remaining stairs. This is not an issue for most buildings that we have dealt with, but if the building has large assembly spaces higher up in the building, it can result in another stair being required.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal is a clarification of the code. If a jurisdiction has been interpreting the code in a way that is consistent with this proposal, there will be no change in cost of construction. If a jurisdiction has been applying the code differently, then there may be an increase in the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee agreed with the reasoning put forth by the proponent. The change clarifies the application of the section.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G83-15	AS

Code Change No: G84-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 403.5.2

Proponent: Stephen DiGiovanni, representing Southern Nevada Chapter of ICC (sdigiovanni@clarkcountynv.gov)

Revise as follows:

Additional interior exit stairway. For buildings other than Group R-2 that are more than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, one additional interior exit stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3. The total width of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exit stairway removed shall be not less than the total width required by Section 1005.1. Scissor
stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section.

Exception Exceptions:

An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008.
An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required for redundancy to stairways serving only those portions of the building less than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height.

Reason: The intent of these codes sections was to provide additional means of egress for the super high-rise structures (i.e., over 420-feet tall). It was not the intent of the code to establish the additional exit stairway provisions for connected podiums, other towers, and other portions of the same building that are less than 420 feet in building height. The code language as written could be interpreted to require the additional exit stairway for these other building areas.
For larger facilities, project designs have included multiple towers connected to a podium, which are considered a single building in building height and area. By adding new Exception No. 2 to Sections 403.5.2, the interpretation to require the additional exit stairway for other building areas or towers with building heights less than 420 feet becomes more uniform.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal will not increase the cost of construction, as no additional building elements or more stringent means of construction are being added to the existing code by this proposal.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

Additional interior exit stairway. For buildings other than Group R-2 that are more than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height, one additional interior exit stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3. The total width of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exit stairway removed shall be not less than the total width required by Section 1005.1. Scissor stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section.

Exceptions:

An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008.
An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required for redundancy to stairways serving only those other portions of the building where the highest occupiable floor level in those areas is less than 420 feet (128 000 mm) in building height.

Committee Reason: The intent is to clarify that the application of the 3rd stairway requirement to those portions of a building which is over 420 feet. Therefore where a portion of a building is over 420, a third stairway is imposed, and continues through the total height, but if the same building had a second tower less than 420, the third stairway wouldn't be imposed. The modification  provided clearer text meeting the intent of the changed.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G84-15	AM

Code Change No: G94-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 404.6

Proponent: John Terry, State of New Jersey- DCA, representing State of New Jersey - Department of Community Affairs- Division of Codes and Standards (jterry@dca.nj.gov)

Revise as follows:

Enclosure of atriums.
Atrium spaces shall be separated from adjacent spaces by a 1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Exceptions:

A fire barrier is not required where a glass wall forming a smoke partition is provided. The glass wall shall comply with all of the following:
Automatic sprinklers are provided along both sides of the separation wall and doors, or on the room side only if there is not a walkway on the atrium side. The sprinklers shall be located between 4 inches and 12 inches (102 mm and 305 mm) away from the glass and at intervals along the glass not greater than 6 feet (1829 mm). The sprinkler system shall be designed so that the entire surface of the glass is wet upon activation of the sprinkler system without obstruction;
The glass wall shall be installed in a gasketed frame in a manner that the framing system deflects without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinkler system operates; and
Where glass doors are provided in the glass wall, they shall be either self-closing or automatic-closing.
A fire barrier is not required where a glass-block wall assembly complying with Section 2110 and having a 3 /4-hour fire protection rating is provided.
A fire barrier is not required between the atrium and the adjoining spaces of any up to three floors of the atrium provided such spaces are accounted for in the design of the smoke control system.
A fire barrier is not required between the atrium and the adjoining spaces where the atrium is not required to be provided with a smoke control system. 

Reason: As currently written, the code allows three floors to be open to an atrium provided the volume of the three floors is accounted for in the design of the smoke control system. Technically, the current text is silent regarding one or two floors being open to the atrium without separation. Replacing the word "and" with "up to" corrects the wording to allow one, two or three floors to be open to the atrium provided the volume of the space is accounted for in the design of the smoke control system. But what if the atrium is in a building not required to be provided with a smoke control system? It has been interpreted that a two-story atrium, in other than Group I-2 and Group I-1 Condition 2, would be allowed to have the adjacent spaces unprotected without a smoke control system. Still others have interpreted the need for a smoke control in a two-story building when the adjacent spaces are open as a result of the current exception #3. By adding exception #4, it will be made clear that the requirements for the non-separated space to be accounted for in the design of the smoke control system applies only for atriums required to be provided with smoke control systems in the first place.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change will have no impact on the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal clarifies the code language by providing more information regarding when a smoke control system isn't required. The committee expressed the desire to have the definition of atrium improved which could then make this and other provisions unneeded, but as the definition stands today, this exception is needed.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G94-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G95-15

Original Proposal

Section: 406, 406 (New), Chapter 35

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

General. Motor-vehicle-related All motor-vehicle-related occupancies shall comply with Section 406.1. Private garages and carports shall also comply with Section 406.3. Open public parking garages shall also comply with Sections 406.1 through 406.4 and 406.5. Enclosed public parking garages shall also comply with Sections 406.4 and 406.6. Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall also comply with Section 406.7. Repair garages shall also comply with Section 406.8.

Add new text as follows:

Automatic garage door openers and vehicular gates. Where provided, automatic garage door openers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 325. Where provided, automatic vehicular gates shall comply with Section 3110.

Clear height The clear height of each floor level in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm). Canopies under which fuels are dispensed shall have a clear height in accordance with Section 406.7.2.

Exception: A lower clear height is permitted for a parking tier in mechanical-access open parking garages where approved by the building official.

Accessible parking spaces. Where parking is provided, accessible parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Section 1106.

Floor surfaces. Floor surfaces shall be of concrete or similar approved noncombustible and nonabsorbent materials. The area of floor used for the parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway. The surface of vehicle fueling pads in motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance with Section 406.7.1.

Exceptions:

Asphalt parking surfaces shall be permitted at ground level for public parking garages and private carports.
Floors of Group S-2 parking garages shall not be required to have a sloped surface.
Slip-resistant, nonabsorbent, interior floor finishes having a critical radiant flux not more than 0.45 W/cm2, as determined by NFPA 253, shall be permitted in repair garages.

Sleeping rooms. Openings between a motor vehicle-related occupancy and a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.

Fuel dispensing. The dispensing of fuel shall only be permitted in motor fuel dispensing facilities in accordance with Section 406.7.

Electric vehicle charging stations. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594. Accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 11.

Mixed occupancies and separation. Mixed uses shall be allowed in the same building as public parking garages and repair garages in accordance with 508.1. Mixed uses in the same building as an open parking garage are subject to Sections 402.4.2.3, 406.5.11, 508.1, 510.3, 510.4 and 510.7.

Equipment and appliances. Equipment and appliances shall be installed in accordance with Sections 406.1.9.1 through 406.1.9.3 and the International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 70.

Elevation of ignition sources. Equipment and appliances having an ignition source and located in hazardous locations and public garages, private garages, repair garages, automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking garages shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor surface on which the equipment or appliance rests. For the purpose of this section, rooms or spaces that are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit and that communicate directly with a private garage through openings shall be considered to be part of the private garage.

Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not required for appliances that are listed as flammable vapor ignition resistant.

406.1.9.1.1 Parking garages. Connection of a parking garage with any room in which there is a fuel-fired appliance shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation, except that a single door is permitted where the sources of ignition in the appliance are elevated in accordance with Section 406.1.9.

Exception: This section shall not apply to appliance installations complying with Sections 406.1.9.2 or 406.1.9.3.

Public garages. Appliances located in public garages, motor fueling-dispensing facilities, repair garages or other areas frequented by motor vehicles, shall be installed not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) above the floor. Where motor vehicles are capable of passing under an appliance, the appliance shall be installed at the clearances required by the appliance manufacturer and not less than 1 foot (305 mm) higher than the tallest vehicle garage door opening.

Exception: The requirements of this section shall not apply where the appliances are protected from motor vehicle impact and installed in accordance with Section 406.1.9.1 and NFPA 30A.

Private garages. Appliances located in private garages and carports shall be installed with a minimum clearance of 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor.

Exception: The requirements of this section shall not apply where the appliances are protected from motor vehicle impact and installed in accordance with Section 406.1.9.1.

Revise as follows:

Private garages and carports. Private garages and carports shall comply with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.6.406.1 and 406.3.

Classification. Private garages and carports shall be classified as Group U occupancies. Each private garage shall be not greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in area. Multiple private garages are permitted in a building where each private garage is separated from the other private garages by 1-

hour fire barriers in accordance with Section 707, or 1-hour horizontal assemblies in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Delete without substitution:

Clear height. In private garages and carports, the clear height in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm). Vehicle and pedestrian areas accommodating van- accessible parking shall comply with Section 1106.5.

Revise as follows:

406.3.4 406.3.2 Separation. For other than private garages adjacent to dwelling units, the separation of private garages from other occupancies shall comply with Section 508. Separation of private garages from dwelling units shall comply with Sections 406.3.4.1 through 406.3.4.3. 406.3.2.1 and 406.3.2.2.

406.3.4.1 406.3.2.1 Dwelling unit separation. The private garage shall be separated from the dwelling unit and its attic area by means of gypsum board, not less than 1 /2 inch (12.7 mm) in thickness, applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than a 5 /8- inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board or equivalent and 1 /2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board applied to structures supporting the separation from habitable rooms above the garage. Door openings between a private garage and the dwelling unit shall be equipped with either solid wood doors or solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 13 /8 inches (34.9 mm) in thickness, or doors in compliance with Section 716.5.3 with a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Doors shall
be self-closing and self-latching.

406.3.4.3 406.3.2.2 Ducts. Ducts in a private garage and ducts penetrating the walls or ceilings separating the dwelling unit from the garage, including its attic area, shall be constructed of sheet steel of not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) in thickness and shall have no openings into the garage.

406.3.5 406.3.3 Carports. Carports shall be open on at least two sides. Carport floor surfaces shall be of an approved noncombustible material. Carports not open on at least two sides shall be considered a garage and shall comply with the requirements for private garages.

Exception: Asphalt surfaces shall be permitted at ground level in carports.

The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway.

Delete without substitution:

406.3.3 Garage floor surfaces. Garage floor surfaces shall be of approved noncombustible material. The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway.

Revise as follows:

406.3.5.1 406.3.3.1 Carport separation. No change to text.

Delete without substitution:

406.3.4.2 Openings prohibited. Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.

406.3.6 Automatic garage door openers. Automatic garage door openers, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.

Revise as follows:

Public parking garages. Parking garages, other than private garages, shall be classified as public parking garages and shall comply with the provisions of Sections 406.4.2 through 406.4.8 Section 406.1,
Section 406.4 and shall be classified as either an open parking garage or an enclosed parking
garage. Open parking garages shall also comply with Section 406.5. Enclosed parking garages shall also comply with Section 406.6. See Section 510 for special provisions for parking garages.

Delete without substitution:

Clear height. The clear height of each floor level in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm). Vehicle and pedestrian areas accommodating van-accessible parking shall comply with Section 1106.5.

Revise as follows:

406.4.1 Guards. Guards shall be provided in accordance with Section 1015. Guards serving as vehicle barriers shall comply with Sections 406.4.3 406.4.2 and 1015.

406.4.2 Vehicle barriers. Vehicle barriers not less than 2 feet 9 inches (835 mm) in height shall be placed where the vertical distance from the floor of a drive lane or parking space to the ground or surface directly below is greater than 1 foot (305 mm). Vehicle barriers shall comply with the loading requirements of Section 1607.8.3.

Exception: Vehicle barriers are not required in vehicle storage compartments in a mechanical access parking garage.

406.4.3 Ramps. Vehicle ramps shall not be considered as required exits unless pedestrian facilities are provided. Vehicle ramps that are utilized for vertical circulation as well as for parking shall not exceed a slope of 1:15 (6.67 percent).

Delete without substitution:

Floor surface. Parking surfaces shall be of concrete or similar noncombustible and nonabsorbent materials.

The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway.

Exceptions:

Asphalt parking surfaces shall be permitted at ground level.
Floors of Group S-2 parking garages shall not be required to have a sloped surface.

Mixed occupancy separation. Parking garages shall be separated from other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.1.

Special hazards. Connection of a parking garage with any room in which there is a fuel-fired appliance shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation.

Exception: A single door shall be allowed provided the sources of ignition in the appliance are not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor.

Attached to rooms. Openings from a parking garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.

Revise as follows:

406.5 Open parking garages. Open parking garages shall comply with Sections 406.5.1 through 406.5.11. 406.1, 406.4 and 406.5.

406.5.4.1 Single use. Where the open parking garage is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles, with no other uses in the building, the area and height shall be permitted to comply with Table 406.5.4, along with increases allowed by Section 406.5.5.

Exception: The grade-level tier is permitted to contain an office, waiting and toilet rooms having a total combined area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2). Such area need not be separated from the open parking garage.

In open parking garages having a spiral or sloping floor, the horizontal projection of the structure at any cross section shall not exceed the allowable area per parking tier. In the case of an open parking
garage having a continuous spiral floor, each 9 feet 6 inches (2896 mm) of height, or portion thereof, shall be considered a tier.
The clear height of a parking tier shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm), except that a lower clear height is permitted in mechanical-access open parking garages where approved by the building official.

Enclosed parking garages. Enclosed parking garages shall comply with Sections 406.6.1 through 406.6.3. 406.1, 406.4 and 406.6.

Motor fuel-dispensing facilities. Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall comply with the International Fire Code and Sections 406.7.1 406.1 and 406.7.2 406.7.

Repair garages. Repair garages shall be constructed in accordance with the International Fire Code and Sections 406.8.1 through 406.8.6 406.1 and 406.8. This occupancy shall not include motor fuel-dispensing facilities, as regulated in Section 406.7.

Delete without substitution:

Mixed uses. Mixed uses shall be allowed in the same building as a repair garage subject to the provisions of Section 508.1.

Revise as follows:

406.8.1 Ventilation. Repair garages shall be mechanically ventilated in accordance with the International Mechanical Code. The ventilation system shall be controlled at the entrance to the garage.

Delete without substitution:

Floor surface. Repair garage floors shall be of concrete or similar noncombustible and nonabsorbent materials.

Exception: Slip-resistant, nonabsorbent, interior floor finishes having a critical radiant flux not more than 0.45 W/cm2, as determined by NFPA 253, shall be permitted.

Heating equipment. Heating equipment shall be installed in accordance with the International Mechanical Code.

Add new standard(s) as follows:

UL2202-09 (2012) - Standard for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment, 2013, UL LLC, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.

UL2594-13 - Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, 2013, UL LLC, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.

Reason: This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments.
Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx. This proposal relocates all the general requirements that apply to all motor-vehicle related occupancies into the general section, Section 406.1, and also provides in the beginning of Section 406 directions as to what sections apply to private garages and carports, open and enclosed parking garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities, and repair garages.

The general global requirements are:

Automatic garage door openers and vehicular gates (originally in Section 406.3.6) – This equipment is not required to be installed, but where provided in any occupancy, minimum safeguards should be provided. UL 325 is applicable for certifying products for use in both residential and commercial applications, and addresses fire, shock, and entrapment hazards. The reference to Section 3110 provides the user with direction to the use of automatic vehicular gates, where provided.
Clear height (originally in Sections 406.3.2, 406.4.1, and 406.5.4.1) – A minimum clear height should be provided in any occupancy for people and vehicles.
Accessible parking spaces – This provides a link to the requirements in Chapter 11 for accessible parking spaces, where provided.
Floor surface (originally in Sections 406.3.3, 406.3.5, 406.4.5, and 406.8.3) – Where vehicles are parked, the floor surface should be both noncombustible and nonabsorbent. Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair garages have unique floor surface requirements.
Sleeping rooms (originally in Sections 406.3.4.2 and 406.4.8) – In all motor vehicle related occupancies, no openings directly into a sleeping room should be permitted due to the production of carbon monoxide by the vehicles.
Fuel dispensing (originally in Section 406.5.11) – In all motor vehicle related occupancies, except for motor fuel dispensing facilities, the dispensing of fuel should not be permitted.
Electric vehicle charging stations – The installation of electric vehicle charging stations is rapidly increasing. This new provision would provide minimum requirements to provide minimum safeguards for the installation of these stations, where provided in any motor vehicle related occupancy.
Mixed uses (originally in Sections 406.4.6, 406.5.3, and 406.8.1) - Mixed occupancies requirements are applied to Open parking, Enclosed parking, and Repair Garages. The general requirement for open and enclosed parking garages in Section 406.4.6 references Section 508.1, whereas the requirement specifically for Open parking garages in Section
406.5.3 references several additional sections. Private Garages has its own specific mixed use equirement. Motor-Fuel dispensaries direct the user to the IFC and 407.1 and 407.2. A combined requirement clarifies the application.
Equipment and appliances – Sections 304.3 and 304.3.1 of the IMC provide specific requirements for the installation of equipment and appliances in any motor vehicle related occupancy. Section 304.3.1 of the IMC has additional exceptions for the installation of fuel-fired appliances in parking garages than Section 406.4.7 of the IBC. This new requirement correlates the IBC with the IMC.
Hydrogen-generating appliances and refueling systems - This new provision would provide minimum requirements to provide minimum safeguards for the installation of these appliances and systems, where provided in any motor vehicle related occupancy. Specific requirements, including ventilation, are provided in Chapter 7 of the IFGC for the installation of hydrogen-generating appliances and refueling systems.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Cost impact. This code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction. The proposal attempts to clarify the code, but does not make any technical changes to code requirements.

Analysis: A review of the standards proposed for inclusion in the code, UL2202-09 (2012) - Standard for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment, 2013, and UL2594-13 - Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, 2013, with regard to the ICC criteria for referenced standards (Section 3.6 of CP#28) will be posted on the ICC website on or before April 2, 2015.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

406.1.7 Electric vehicle charging stations. Electric Where provided, electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594. Accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 11.

Committee Reason: The proposal provides a needed reorganization of the provisions for the various motor vehicle based regulations. The committee modified the proposal to make it clear that the code isn't requiring the electric vehicle charging stations, but providing the a standard for installation. It was acknowledged that the standard doesn't fully meet CP28, but it is the best available. Section 406.1.3 is an incomplete reference and may not be needed. Section 406.7 should also be revised because it provides a circular reference.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G95-15	AM

Code Change No: G96-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 202 (New), 406.2

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Add new text as follows:

REPAIR GARAGE A building, structure or portion thereof used for servicing or repairing motor vehicles.

Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

MECHANICAL-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES. OPEN PARKING GARAGE.
PRIVATE GARAGE.
RAMP-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES. REPAIR GARAGE

Reason: The term "repair garage" is used in the building code (primarily Section 406.8), but is not defined in the building code. Including the definition from the fire code will assist the user of the building code for these facilities.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code proposal will not increase the cost of construction. This proposal provides clarity by defining a term already used in the building code with a definition already established in the fire code.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides a helpful definition to clarify the scope of the repair garage use.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G96-15	AS

Code Change No: G97-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section(s):	406.3

Proponent: William King, City of Alexandria, representing Virginia Building Code Officials Association (william.king@alexandriava.gov)

Revise as follows:

Private garages and carports. Private garages and carports shall comply with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.6.

Exception: Private garages conforming to the requirements of public parking garage in accordance with Section 406.4.

Reason: Based upon the current definition of private garage, a parking garage for an apartment building would be a private garage
and subject to limitations including a size limitation of 1,000 sf unless separated with fire barriers. In highly urbanized jurisdictions, parking for apartment complexes are provided either separate parking garages or underground parking. This parking is exclusively for the use of the tenants so would qualify as a private garage. These structures are currently constructed as either open or enclosed parking garages due to the number of cars and the scale of the structures. Limiting the size of these larger parking structures appears to be an unintended consequence of this new definition and without this exception large scale parking garages used just by the building's tenants would effectively be prohibited. This exception would restore the options that were previously available and widely utilized. Given the occupants familiarity with garages that they park in every day, these private garages would provide a higher level of occupant safety than an equivalent public garage if designed to the same standard.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Given that the current code would require private parking garages to be subdivided into 1,000 sf sections with fire barriers and associated opening protectives. This exception would remove all of this additional construction therefor reducing the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: The proposal provides clarity that larger garages can be built according to the public garage standards even where the use is limited to the private use of the building tenants. Approval may sent up a circular reference with Section 406.4.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 3:
Kathleen Petrie, representing City of Seattle, Department of Planning and Development (kathleen.petrie@seattle.gov) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

406.3 Private garages and carports. Private garages and carports shall comply with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.6, or shall comply with Section 406.4.

Exception: Private garages conforming to the requirements of public parking garage in accordance , or shall comply with Section 406.4.

Commenter's Reason: We support this code proposal which allows private garages to comply with the requirements for either private or public garages. This public comment merely clarifies the proposal because the the option to choose is more accurately an alternate path instead of an exception.

Final Hearing Results

G97-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G102-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section(s):	406.6.2

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

406.6.2 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system and an exhaust system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 404 and 502.13 of the International Mechanical Code.

Reason: Section 404 of the IMC provides specific requirements for the ventilation of an enclosed parking garage. There are additional requirements for the exhaust system for enclosed parking garages in Section 502.13 of the IMC. Identifying the specific sections will assist in ensuring all mechanical requirements for parking garages are used.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction. The proposal attempts to clarify the code, but does not make any technical changes to code requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: The committee felt the proposal added words that are redundant because the comprehensive term 'ventilation' includes the more specific term of exhaust.  As the IMC has distinct provisions which may change, the committee was uncomfortable with references to specific sections of another code.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 3:
Edward Kulik, representing ICC Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

406.6.2 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system and an exhaust system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 404 and
502.13 Chapters 4 and 5 of the International Mechanical Code.

Commenter's Reason: Ventilation and exhaust are two separate and distinct terms. Ventilation is for recirculation to bring in fresh air into spaces intended to be occupied, whereas exhaust is to remove air to the outdoor atmosphere. Thus, ventilation systems are covered in Chapter 4, and exhaust systems are covered in Chapter 5. To address the concern of potential renumbering of the sections within these chapters, a general direction to these two chapters will assist in ensuring all mechanical requirements for parking garages are used.

Final Hearing Results

G102-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G103-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 406.6.2

Proponent: Jay Hyde, representing Sacramento Valley Association of Building Officials (jhyde@mognot.com)

Revise as follows:

406.6.2 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system shall be provided in accordance with the International Mechanical Code.

Exception: Mechanical ventilation shall not be required for enclosed parking garages that are accessory to Group R-3 occupancies.

Reason: The 2015 International Building Code reduced the allowable area of a Private Garage to 1,000 sq. ft. Larger garages are frequently required by automobile collectors. These garages would not be subject to uncontrolled use by unrelated individuals. The ventilation required to remove exhaust fumes from multiple vehicles running at the same time seems excessive for a R3 residence, regardless of the size of the garage.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
It may reduce cost of construction by allowing unventilated garages serving R3 occupancies.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

406.6.2 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system shall be provided in accordance with the International Mechanical Code.

Exception: Mechanical ventilation shall not be required for enclosed parking garages that are accessory to one and two family dwellings Group R-3 occupancies.

Committee Reason: The intent of the proposal to waive ventilation for typical garages accessory to a typical residence is better realized based on the modification to replace 'occupancies' with 'one and two family dwellilngs'. These smaller garages accessory  to one and two family dwellings are usually small and with little chance of accumulation of fumes. This solves a problem often encountered in the field by designers.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G103-15	AM

Code Change No: G104-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 407.2.1

Proponent: John Williams, CBO, Chair, representing Adhoc Health Care Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

Waiting and similar areas. Waiting areas and similar, public-use areas, or group
meeting spaces constructed as required for corridors shall be permitted to be open to a corridor, only where all of the following criteria are met:

The spaces are not occupied as care recipient's sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses in accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.
The open space is protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.
The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, or the smoke compartment in which the spaces are located is equipped throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exits.

Reason: The terminology "similar spaces" is vague and prone to interpretation. This change will allow for clarification of the original intent of the language. By amending this terminology to "public use areas" or "group meeting spaces" it will allow spaces such as family gathering areas, child play areas in children's wards, conservatories/game room/social interaction areas in long term recovery that are constructed as required for corridors and meet all of the established requirements to be permitted to be open to a corridor. Allowing these areas to be open to the corridor will provide better over sight and security of these areas thus allowing for quicker responses by staff to issues that develop in these areas. With the ban of smoking within hospitals there is not a risk of smoking within these areas and having these areas open to the corridor will allow staff to quickly sense and respond to any smoking that does occur. Being public spaces the need for privacy is not an issue. This change mirrors what is currently permitted in a nursing home environment and provide for a more open and inviting atmosphere.
The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/AHC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction This is a clarification; therefore, there is no change in cost.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The change improves the intent of this provisions by giving specific examples of other spaces allowed to be open to the corridors. The existing text 'and similar' has led to a wide range of interpretations and mis-interpretations.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G104-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G105-15

Original Proposal

Section: 407.2.6

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

Nursing home cooking facilities. In Group I-2, Condition 1, occupancies, rooms or spaces that contain a cooking facility with domestic cooking appliances shall be permitted to be open to the corridor where all of the following criteria are met:

The number of care recipients housed in the smoke compartment is shall not be greater than 30.
The number of care recipients served by the cooking facility is shall not be greater than 30.
Only one cooking facility area is shall be permitted in a smoke compartment.
The types of domestic cooking appliances permitted are shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers and microwaves.
The corridor is shall be a clearly identified space delineated by construction or floor pattern, material or color.
The space containing the domestic cooking facility shall be arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exit.
A domestic Domestic cooking hood hoods installed and constructed in accordance with Section 505 of the International Mechanical Code is shall be provided over the cooktop or range cooktops and ranges.
The domestic cooking hood provided over the cooktop or range Cooktops and ranges shall be equipped with an automatic fire-extinguishing system of a type recognized for protection of domestic cooking equipment. Preengineered automatic extinguishing systems shall be tested protected in accordance with UL 300A and listed and labeled for the intended application. The system shall be installed in accordance with this code, its listing and the manufacturer's instructions Section 904.13.
A manual actuation device for the hood suppression system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 904.12.1 and 904.12.2.
An interlock device shall be provided such that upon activation of the hood suppression system, the power or fuel supply to the cooktop or range will be turned off.
A shut-off for the fuel and electrical power supply to the cooking equipment shall be provided in a location that is accessible only to staff.
A timer shall be provided that automatically deactivates the cooking appliances within a period of not more than 120 minutes.
A portable fire extinguisher shall be installed provided. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 906 of and the International Fire Code. extinguisher shall be located within a 30-foot (9144 mm) distance of travel from each domestic cooking appliance.

Reason: This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments.
Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx. During the 2015 code cycle requirements were added to allow domestic cooking appliances to be installed in areas of Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies that are open to the corridor when certain conditions were met. That included protecting cooktops and ranges with UL 300A compliant extinguishing systems in the hood. This proposal accomplishes the following:

Introduces mandatory language into Section 407.2.6
Allows an option for cooktops and ranges with listed ignition resistant burners to be provided in lieu of a UL 300A extinguishing system. These types of systems are investigated to verify that pans and cooking materials do not exceed 350 degrees C (662 degrees F). Recent work by the Fire Protection Research Foundation confirms that burners meeting these specifications are highly unlikely to ignite cooking materials. See: http://www.nfpa.org/research/fire-protection- research-foundation/reports-and-proceedings/other-research-topics/analytical-modeling-of-pan-and-oil-heating-on-an- electric-coil-cooktop

There will be a Group B corresponding code change proposal to IFC Section 904.13. The ICC Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC) supports this proposal and will be submitting the Group B proposal that follows:

Domestic cooking systems in Group I-2 Condition 1. In Group I-2 Condition 1, occupancies where cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 407.2.6 of this code, cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with one of the following. the domestic cooking hood provided over the cooktop or range shall be equipped with an automatic fire-extinguishing system of a type recognized for protection of domestic cooking equipment. Preengineered automatic extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance with UL 300A and listed and labeled for the intended application. The system shall be installed in accordance with this code, its listing and the manufacturer's instructions.

Cooktops and ranges shall include heating elements or burners that have been tested and listed to not allow cooking pan temperatures to exceed 662 degrees F (350 degrees C), or
2 . The domestic cooking hood provided over the cooktop or range shall be equipped with an automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with both of the following:

The automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be of a type recognized for protection of domestic cooking equipment. Preengineered automatic extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance with UL 300A and listed and labeled for the intended application. The system shall be installed in accordance with this code, its listing and the manufacturer's instructions, and
Manual actuation and system interconnection for the hood suppression system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 904.12.1 and 904.12.2, respectively.

Manual system operation and interconnection. Manual actuation and system interconnection for the hood suppression system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 904.12.1 and 904.12.2, respectively.

Portable fire extinguishers for domestic cooking equipment in Group I-2 Condition 1. A portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 shall be installed within a 30-foot (9144 mm) distance of travel from domestic cooking appliances.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction. It includes editorial revisions and adds an option to the existing requirements to use ignition prevention cooktops.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This was a new provision for the 2015 code. With experience, improvements to the text to allow more consistent interpretation and compliance are needed.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G105-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G107-15

Original Proposal

Section: 407.5

Proponent: John Williams, CBO, Chair, representing Adhoc Health Care Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide every story used by persons receiving care, treatment or sleeping and, into not fewer than two smoke compartments. Smoke barriers shall be provided to divide subdivide other stories with an occupant load of 50 or more persons, into no fewer than two smoke compartments. The smoke barrier shall be in accordance with Section 709.

Smoke compartment size. .Such Stories shall be divided into smoke compartments with an area of not more than 22,500 square feet (2092 m2) in Group I-2, Condition 1, and not mroe than 40,000 square feet (3716 m2) in Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies and.

Exit access travel distance. The distance of travel from any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke barrier door shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).

Reason: This proposal clarifies the requirements for at least two compartments on a floor by separating section into separate sentences and sections.
The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/AHC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal is for clarification only, therefore, there are no changes to construction requirements or the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides clarity to the requirement and divides the paragraph into the 3 topic areas that are covered by the existing provisions.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G107-15	AS

Code Change No: G109-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section(s):	407.5

Proponent: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing Fire Safe North America (vickie@intercodeinc.com)

Revise as follows:

Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide every story used by persons receiving care, treatment or sleeping and to divide other stories with an occupant load of 50 or more persons, into no fewer than two smoke compartments. Such stories shall be divided into smoke compartments with an area of not more than 22,500 square feet (2092 m2) in Group I-2, Condition 1, and not more than 40,000 square feet (3716 m2) in Group I-2, Condition 2, and the. The distance of travel from any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke barrier door shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm). The smoke barrier shall be in accordance with Section 709.

Exceptions

A smoke compartment in Group I-2, Condition 2, is permitted to have an area of not more than 35,000 square feet (3252 m2) provided all patient rooms within that smoke compartment are configured for one single bed per room.
A smoke compartment in Group I-2, Condition 2, is permitted to have an area of not more than 40,000 square feet (3716 m2) used primarily as a radiology suite. For the purposes of this exception, a radiology suite is a dedicated space that includes the area for MRI, general radiology, PET, CT, flouroscopy, interventional radiology or gamma camera procedures and their needed support and staff areas, without any patient sleeping rooms.

Reason: The discussions of the Ad Hoc Healthcare group in the 2015 development cycle indicated that the larger smoke compartments were needed due to healthcare construction and design moving exclusively to one patient per room. In support of that, they had their spreadsheets that detailed exactly how many square feet every different room within a smoke compartment required to create a properly functioning unit, and then added up all of those square feet. Except for a radiology suite, which their spreadsheet indicated would now require the increase to 40,000 sq. ft., 35,000 sq. ft. would be sufficient for the other documented unit types (inpatient beds, emergency department with pediatrics, intensive care unit) as is recommended in this proposal.
In addition, knowing that the IBC is used in other countries as a model code, and in other countries the norm may be 2 patients (or more) per room, this would clearly indicate that the new, larger smoke compartments are only to be considered if and when a hospital goes to the 1 patient-per-room layout.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This code change will increase the cost of construction as compared to the 2015 IBC, due to the need for some additional smoke barrier walls to create the smoke compartments smaller than the 40,000 sq. ft. smoke compartments. This code change will decrease the cost of construction as compared to the 2012 IBC, all previous editions of the IBC, all three of the legacy codes, and also as compared to the Life Safety Code (through 2015), due to the smoke compartments being larger than 22,500 sq. ft., and thus needing fewer smoke barrier walls than each of those codes could have required.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: The committee recognized the good work put forth by the proponent, but found the text to be unclear. Modifications to address the issues were ruled out of order. Of concern is the single bed patient room and whether such can be readily enforced. The proponents are encouraged to submit a public comment for consideration in the fall.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing Fire Safe North America (vickie@intercodeinc.com); John Williams, CBO, representing Adhoc Healthcare Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide every story used by persons receiving care, treatment or sleeping and to divide other stories with an occupant load of 50 or more persons, into no fewer than two smoke compartments. Such stories shall be divided into smoke compartments with an area of not more than 22,500 square feet (2092 m2) in Group I-2. The distance of travel from any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke barrier door shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm). The smoke barrier shall be in accordance with Section 709.

Exceptions

A smoke compartment in Group I-2, Condition 2, is permitted to have an area of not more than 35,000 40,000 square feet (3252 3716 m2) provided all patient sleeping rooms within that smoke compartment are configured for one single bed per room patient occupancy and any suite within the smoke compartment complies with Section 407.4.4.
A smoke compartment in Group I-2, Condition 2, without patient sleeping rooms is permitted to have an area of not more than 40,000 square feet (3716 m2) used primarily as a radiology suite. For the purposes of this exception, a radiology suite is a dedicated space that includes the area for MRI, general radiology, PET, CT, flouroscopy, interventional radiology or gamma camera procedures and their needed support and staff areas, without any patient sleeping rooms.

Commenter's Reason: Lovell: For several years there has been discussion over the appropriate size of a health care occupancy smoke compartment. The major contributors to this debate committed to discussing the issue further in hopes of uncovering better data and reaching common ground. A separate egress study was procured, unfortunately the study was limited and the results were inconclusive. However, the proponents of this change were able to reach an agreement that we believe resolves the major concerns of most of the parties involved:

Limit the increase of smoke compartment size to hospitals only, which is what the current language states.
Only allow the increase to 40,000 ft2 to smoke compartments that have single occupancy sleeping rooms -or- smoke compartments without patient sleeping rooms.
Allow the use of suites (which might contain multiple sleeping rooms) in all smoke compartments. However, limit those smoke compartments that contained multiple patient sleeping rooms (whether they be inside of a suite or outside of a suite) to 22,500 ft2. Sleeping suites with single occupancy sleeping rooms would be permitted to be in a 40,000 sf smoke compartment.
Clarify that arrangements for single vs. multiple-occupancy rooms is intended to be by design, rather than an administrative decision. Thus, we have used the term "configured for single patient occupancy".

We are hopeful that the Committee will look favorably at this change, as we believe it represents the consensus of many of the interested parties.

Williams: For several years there has been discussion over the appropriate size of a healthcare occupancy smoke compartment. The major contributors to this debate committed to discussing the issue further in hopes of uncovering better data and reaching common ground. A separate egress study was procured, unfortunately the study was limited and the results were inconclusive.
However, the proponents of this change were able to reach an agreement that we believe resolves the major concerns of most of the parties involved:

Limit the increase of smoke compartment size to hospitals only, which is what the current language states.

Only allow the increase to 40,000 ft2 to smoke compartments that has single occupancy sleeping rooms –or- smoke compartment without patient sleeping rooms.
Allow the use of suites (which might contain multiple sleeping rooms) in all smoke compartments. However, limit those smoke compartments that contained multiple patient sleeping rooms (whether they be inside of a suite or outside of a suite ) to 22,500 ft2. Sleeping suites with on single occupancy sleeping rooms would be permitted to be in a 40,000 sf smoke compartment.
Clarify that arrangements for single- vs. multiple-occupancy rooms is intended to be by design, rather than administrative decision. Thus we have used the term "configured for single patient occupancy".

The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: Adhoc Healthcare.

Final Hearing Results

G109-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G111-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 407.5.2

Proponent: John Williams, CBO, Chair, representing Adhoc Health Care Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

407.5.2 Independent egress. A means of egress shall be provided from each smoke
compartment created by smoke barriers without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated. Smoke compartments that do not contain an exit shall be provided with direct access to not less than two adjacent smoke compartments.

Reason: The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/AHC/Pages/default.aspx.
This code change is intended to more appropriately handle arrangement of the means of egress in a defend in place environment (i.e. hospitals and nursing homes.) The intent is to ensure that the arrangement of smoke compartments and exits prevents a situation where you have a "dead end smoke compartment." This requirement already exists within the federal Medicare requirements. This proposes rule (and the existing section) does not require a stair in every smoke compartment.
In Example 1, an occupant in smoke compartment 2 (SC2) would be forced to travel into smoke compartment 1 to access one of the two required exits for the floor. This is compliant with the current requirement that the occupant does not "return through the smoke compartment of egress origin." The smoke compartment where the mean of egress originates is smoke compartment 2.
The dashed path does not leave smoke compartment 2, then RETURN back into smoke compartment 2. While this example meets current code, it creates an unacceptable hazard by creating a "dead end smoke compartment."

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This change will typically not increase the cost of construction, in that it does not affect how many exits are provided. It does limit the location on the floor plate, which could have cost implications. In worse case an additional smoke compartment would be required, which would definitely increase construction cost. Practically, since this is a federal requirement already there will be no perceived increase to facilities.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides a much safer configuration requirement to support the defend in place concept. It eliminates the dead end smoke compartment that only has access to one other compartment. The committee understood that the phrase 'two adjacent smoke compartments' is intended that both individually adjacent to the smoke compartment where egress is initiated and not that the two other smoke compartments are not simply adjacent to each other.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G111-15	AS

Code Change No: G112-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 407.6 (New), 709.5.1

Proponent: John Williams, CBO, Chair, representing Adhoc Health Care Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org)

Add new text as follows:

407.6 Automatic closing doors Automatic closing doors with hold-open devices shall comply with Sections 709.5 and 716.5.

Revise as follows:

709.5.1 Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities. In Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, where doors protecting openings in smoke barriers are installed across a corridor and have hold-open devices, the doors shall be automatic-closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.5.9.3 and. Such doors shall have a vision panel with fire-protection-rated glazing materials in fire-protection-rated frames, the area of which shall not exceed that tested.

Reason: This proposal has two main functions: The first is to provide a pointer in the I-2 specific section to the requirements for automatic closing doors in healthcare facilities. The hold open feature is one that is used quite frequently, yet the specific requirements are often missed. The pointer in Chapter 4 will remind designers to comply with BOTH sections.
The second change clarifies that not all cross corridor doors need to be provided with automatic closers. The context of this section is doors in smoke barriers, so we have added language to focus the requirement.
The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/AHC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal is a clarification of requirements; therefore, there is no increase in cost.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides needed guidance to the hold-open devices where they in the smoke barrier of an I-2 occupancies. It connects the I-2 provisions in Section 407 with the specific provisions in Chapter 7 applicable to these doors.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G112-15	AS

Code Change No: G115-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section(s):	412.3, 412.3.1 (New), 412.3.1.1, TABLE 412.3.1, 412.3.1.2 (New), 412.3.1.3 (New),
412.3.2 (New), 412.3.2, 412.3.3, 412.3.4, 412.3.4.1, 412.3.3 (New), [F] 412.3.5, 412.3.3.2 (New),
412.3.3.3 (New), 412.3.6, 412.3.4.1 (New), 412.3.7, 412.3.7.1, 412.3.8

Proponent: Christopher Moran, Jensen Hughes (cmoran@haifire.com); Eric Rosenbaum, representing Airport Traffic Control Tower Fire/Life Safety Technical Working Group

Airport traffic control towers. The provisions of Sections 412.3.1 through 412.3.8 shall apply to airport traffic control towers occupied only for the following uses:

Airport traffic control cab.
Electrical and mechanical equipment rooms.
Airport terminal radar and electronics rooms.
Office spaces incidental to the tower operation.
Lounges for employees, including sanitary facilities.

Add new text as follows:

412.3.1 Construction. The construction of airport traffic control towers shall comply with the provisions of Sections 412.3.1.1 through 412.3.1.3.

Revise as follows:

412.3.1.1 Type of construction. Airport traffic control towers shall be constructed to comply with the height limitations of Table 412.3.1 412.3.1.1.

TABLE 412.3.1 412.3.1.1
HEIGHT LIMITATIONS FOR AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWERS
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	HEIGHTa (feet)	
IA	Unlimited	
IB	240	
IIA	100	
IIB	85	
IIIA	65	
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. Height to be measured from grade plane to cab floor.

Add new text as follows:

Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway
enclosures. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Section 403.2.3.

Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM). The bond strength of the SFRM installed in airport traffic control towers shall be in accordance with Section 403.2.4.

Means of egress and evacuation. The means of egress in airport traffic control towers shall comply with Sections 412.3.2.1 through 412.3.2.3.

Revise as follows:

412.3.2.1 Stairways. Stairways in airport traffic control towers shall be in accordance with Section 1011. Stairways Exit stairways shall be smokeproof enclosures complying with one of the alternatives provided in Section 909.20.

Exception: Stairways in airport traffic control towers are not required to comply with Section 1011.12.

412.3.2.2 Exit access. No change to text.

412.3.2.3 Number of exits. No change to text.

412.3.4.1 412.3.2.3.1 Interior finish. No change to text.

Add new text as follows:

Emergency Systems. The detection, alarm and emergency systems of airport traffic control towers shall comply with Sections 412.3.3.1 through 412.3.3.3.

Revise as follows:

[F] 412.3.5 412.3.3.1 Automatic fire smoke detection systems. Airport traffic control towers shall be provided with an automatic fire smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.2 907.2.22.

Add new text as follows:

Fire command center. The fire command center of an airport control tower shall comply with Section 911.

Exceptions:

Location. The fire command center is permitted to be located in the airport control tower or an adjacent contiguous building where building functions are interdependent.
Size. The room shall be not less than 150 square feet (14 m2) in area with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm).
Required features. The following features shall not be required in an airport traffic control tower fire command center.
Emergency voice/alarm control unit. 3.2.	Public address system.
Status indicators and controls for the air distributions centers.
Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.
Elevator emergency or standby power switches where emergency or standby power is provided.

Smoke removal Smoke removal in airport traffic control towers shall be provided in accordance with Section 403.4.7.

Revise as follows:

412.3.6 412.3.4 Automatic sprinkler system. No change to text.

Add new text as follows:

412.3.4.1 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms that are separated from all other areas of the building by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Exception: Separation is not required for fire pumps physically separated in accordance with NFPA 20.

Revise as follows:

412.3.7412.3.5 Elevator protection Protection of elevator wiring and cables. Wires or
Wiring and cables that provide normal or standby power, serving elevators in airport traffic control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire detecting systems to elevators towers shall be protected by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, or shall be circuit integrity cable having a fireresistance rating of not less than 1 hour in accordance with Section 3007.8.1.

412.3.7.1 412.3.5.1 Elevators for occupant evacuation. No change to text.

412.3.8 412.3.6 Accessibility. Airport traffic control towers need not shall be accessible accessible except as specified in the provisions of Chapter 11 Section 1104.4.

Reason: All of the proposed changes are the recommendation of the Air Traffic Control Tower Fire Life Safety Task Group, and reflect the current approach to fire protection and life safety in airport traffic control towers (ATCT). The fire safety criteria applicable to ATCTs are originally based on an agreement between the operator of and controllers utilizing the ATCTs. Many of the changes relate to providing extra protection for the controllers and fire service.
ATCTs create a unique hazard. ATCTs typically have a limited number of occupants. In addition, occupants must be awake and alert. The hazard associated with ATCTs is affected by the building's limited uses, height, and the potential delay in evacuation because of the handoff of flights.
The occupied levels of an ATCT are typically located at the top of the structure that typically contains support equipment and services but has limited occupancy. In addition, the area of ATCTs has been increasing, even though the number of floors located on top of the shaft is still typically limited.
Based on the previous revision to the ATCT section, all high-rise requirements were no longer applicable. The sections added are specifically chosen from a review of code requirements that are applicable to high rise buildings. The limited sections applied to ATCTs reflect the limited area of the ATCT, especially the shaft; communications protocol; power applications; construction methods; fire and ATCT shut down history; and that the typical locations of ATCT is in secluded areas.

Section 412.3.1 – The proposed revisions add a construction sub-section for ATCTs. This subsection would include the original requirement regarding construction types and also include proposed criteria for the structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures and sprayed fire-resistant materials in limited seismic circumstances.

Section 412.3.1.2 – The proposed revision provides additional protection for the controllers when egressing the facility. Adding structural integrity criteria to the exit enclosures provides additional protection in an occupancy where delayed evacuations may be required.

Section 412.3.1.3 – The proposed revision provides additional structural protection by increasing the minimum bond strengths for sprayed fire-resistant materials. This raises the minimum bond strength from 150 psf to 430 psf for all ATCTs, with additional increases based on the height of the ATCT. The proposed requirement provides additional protection of the structural frame where delayed evacuations may be required.

Section 412.3.2 – The proposed revisions add a means of egress subsection. This proposed subsection provides consistency in Section 412.3 by organizing the various ATCT requirements into subsections.

Section 412.3.3 – The proposed revisions add an emergency systems subsection which includes the existing automatic fire detections systems requirements. New provisions of this subsection would include fire command centers and smoke removal.

Section 412.3.3.1 – The terminology of this section was changed to match that of section 907.2.22 and IFC section 914.8.1. This section is referenced from IFC section 914.8.1.

Section 412.3.3.2 is proposed to provide a control location for fire fighter operations due to the unique aspects of fighting fires in ATCTs. It is proposed that the fire command center be located in either the tower footprint or the adjacent base building (where provided). The base building supports the tower operations and is built contiguous to the ATCT. The majority of the requirements were taken from Section 911 with a few exceptions. The emergency voice/alarm communication system and

public address system controls were removed as ATCTs are not provided with these systems. The fire alarm control unit would be located in the fire command center and provide status indicators for all associated systems. Status indicators and controls for the air distribution system was also removed due to the limited HVAC system sizes provided in ATCTs. Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features were also removed as the fire alarm system will monitor the generator conditions. The requirement for elevator power selector switches was removed as ATCTs are typically designed with a single elevator.

Section 412.3.3.3 is proposed to provide a method to aid fire fighter and salvage operations and get the ATCT back to operational status faster. The addition of smoke removal will reduce the down time of the tower and provide a method to remove smoke in a structure that has many compartments.

Section 412.3.4.1 is proposed to provide additional protection for the fire pump and require a minimum of 2 hour fire resistance rated separations from surrounding areas. As ATCTs are not considered a high-rise building, the 1-hour exception for fire pump room enclosures could be used. The intent of this section is to clarify that 2-hour separations should be provided for ATCTs.

Section 412.3.5 has been revised to address changes in code language to the 2015 Edition and reference appropriate criteria.

Section 412.3.6 is proposed to be revised due to confusion based on the wording of the current requirement. In some cases, the current wording has been taken to mean that accessibility requirements do not apply to ATCTs. The revision clarifies that ATCTs are required to be accessible except as exempted by Section 1104.4.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This code change will increase the cost of construction from the current code requirements; however, reflects building practices of ATCTs.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: The proposal provides a comprehensive update to the airport control tower facilities.  The proponent is a group purposely formed to address these facilities. This reflects current approach for safety in these facilities. The committee noted that the text of Section 412.3.3.2 doesn't clearly required the fire command center as the proponent stated was the intent. There was also concern that for smaller airfields where towers may be only a few stories, all of these requirements - which are clearly based on the high-rise building provisions may be a bit of an overkill.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Christopher Moran, representing Airport Traffic Control Tower Fire Life Safety Task Group (cmoran@jensenhughes.com); Eric Rosenbaum, representing Airport Traffic Control Tower Fire Life Safety Task Group (erosenbaum@jensenhughes.com) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Section 403.2.3 in airport traffic control towers where the control cab is locate located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM). The bond strength of the SFRM installed in airport traffic control towers shall be in accordance with Section 403.2.4 where the control cab is located more than 75 feet (22 860mm860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Fire command center. A fire command center shall be provided in airport traffic control towers where the control cab is located more than 75 feet (22 860mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. The fire command center of an airport control tower shall comply with Section 911.

Exceptions:

Location. The fire command center is permitted to be located in the airport control tower or an adjacent contiguous building where building functions are interdependent.
Size. The room shall be not less than 150 square feet (14 m2) in area with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm).
Required features. The following features shall not be required in an airport traffic control tower fire command center.
Emergency voice/alarm control unit.
Public address system.
Status indicators and controls for the air distributions centers.
Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.
Elevator emergency or standby power switches where emergency or standby power is provided.

Commenter's Reason: All of the proposed changes are the recommendation of the Air Traffic Control Tower Fire Life Safety Task Group, and reflect the current approach to fire protection and life safety in airport traffic control towers (ATCT). The fire safety criteria applicable to ATCTs are originally based on an agreement between the operator of and controllers utilizing the ATCTs. Many of the changes relate to providing extra protection for the controllers and fire service.
ATCTs create a unique hazard. ATCTs typically have a limited number of occupants. In addition, occupants must be awake and alert. The hazard associated with ATCTs is affected by the building's limited uses, height, and the potential delay in evacuation because of the handoff of flights.
The occupied levels of an ATCT are typically located at the top of the structure that typically contains support equipment and services but has limited occupancy. In addition, the area of ATCTs has been increasing, even though the number of floors located on top of the shaft is still typically limited.
The revision to section 412.3.1.2 is proposed to clarify when the structural integrity requirements are required in ATCTs. This is a change based on comments during the Committee Action Hearings.
The revision to section 412.3.1.3 is proposed to clarify when the increased sprayed fire-resistant materials requirements are required in ATCTs. This is a change based on comments during the Committee Action Hearings.
The revision to section 412.3.3.2 is proposed to clarify when fire command centers are required in ATCTs. This is a change based on comments during the Committee Action Hearings.

Final Hearing Results

G115-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G116-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 412.3.4, 412.3.4.1, 412.3.4.2 (New)

Proponent: Christopher Moran, JENSEN HUGHES, representing Airport Traffic Control Tower Fire/Life Safety Technical Working Group (cmoran@haifire.com); Eric Rosenbaum, JENSEN HUGHES, representing Airport Traffic Control Tower Fire/Life Safety Technical Working Group

Number of exits. Not less than one exit stairway shall be permitted for airport traffic control towers of any height provided that the occupant load per floor is not greater than 15 and the area per floor does not exceed 1,500 square feet (140 m2).

Interior finish. Where an airport traffic control tower is provided with only one exit stairway, interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be either Class A or Class B.

Add new text as follows:

Two exits or exit access doorways. Where an airport traffic control tower is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 903.3.1.1 and two exits are required, the exit separation distance required by Section 1007.1 shall be not less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall dimension of the area served.

Reason: The proposed change is the recommendation of the Air Traffic Control Tower Fire Life Safety Task Group. The fire safety criteria applicable to ATCTs are originally based on an agreement between the operator of and controllers utilizing the ATCTs.
ATCTs create a unique hazard. ATCTs typically have a limited number of occupants. In addition, occupants must be awake and alert. The hazard associated with ATCTs is affected by the building's limited uses, size and height.
The occupied levels of an ATCT are located at the top of the structure that typically contains support equipment and services but has limited occupancy. The lower levels of the ATCT are typically limited in size while the upper levels are larger in size. This means that towards the upper floors of the building where the structure flares out, the diagonal distance of the building increases. This flared space is used for equipment that serves air traffic control. Architectural analysis has shown that meeting the 1/3 diagonal distance separation requirement is possible by routing access to one of the two means of egress through an equipment room. It is this task group's judgment that an arrangement routing egress though an equipment room creates a larger risk than reducing the diagonal separation requirement. The limited area and layout of the normally unoccupied lower levels can make separation of the exit access by 1/3 of the diagonal of the floor plan difficult. This revision reduces the required separation distance of multiple exit ATCTs in ATCTs that are typically low in occupancy and size.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This requirement does not require an additional exit but only provides greater flexibility for tower designs where space is limited.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: These facilities are characterized by a small occupant load that is awake and alert. Further they are typically a small footprint or width of the tower portion. The proposal is reasonable exception for these facilities.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G116-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G117-15

Original Proposal

Section(s):	412.3.7, 909.20.6.1, [F] 913.2.2, (IFC 913.2.2), [F] 2702.3, 3007.8.1, 3008.8.1, Chapter 35

Proponent: Robert Davidson (RJDCodeConcepts@aol.com)

Revise as follows:
Elevator protection. Wires or cables that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire detecting systems to elevators shall be protected by construction havingone of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, or.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be circuit integrity cable having tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fireresistance fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

Ventilation systems. Smokeproof enclosure ventilation systems shall be independent of other building ventilation systems. The equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall comply with one of the following:

Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located exterior to the building and directly connected to the smokeproof enclosure or connected to the smokeproof enclosure by ductwork enclosed by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located within the smokeproof enclosure with intake or exhaust directly from and to the outside or through ductwork enclosed by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located within the building if separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Exceptions Exception:

Control wiring and power wiring utilizing located outside of a 2-hour rated cable or cable system fire barrier construction shall be protected using any one of the following methods:
Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Where encased with not less than 2 inches (51 mm) of concrete.
Control wiring and power wiring protected by a listed electrical Electrical circuit protective system systems tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.

913.2.2 Circuits supplying fire pumps. Cables used for survivability of circuits supplying fire pumps shall be protected using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

2702.3 Critical circuits. Required critical circuits shall be protected using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected by construction having using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours,.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be a circuit integrity cable having tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours or. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be protected by a listed electrical protective system installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations.

3008.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire- detecting systems to occupant evactuation evacuation elevators shall be protected by construction having using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours, shall be circuit integrity cable having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours or shall be protected by a listed electrical circuit protective system having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operation.

Add new standard(s) as follows:

ASTM E 1725 "STANDARD TEST METHODS FOR FIRE TESTS OF FIRE-RESISTIVE BARRIER SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS"

Reason: This series of code changes is intended to standardize the methods of protecting wiring or cables determined to be essential for the operation of systems and building services during emergency conditions. The basic intent of the code change proposals is already in the code, albeit somewhat random and inconsistent between sections. The change would permit protection of critical circuits using the most up to date technology based on current test methods while still recognizing the commonly used generic fire resistant materials constructed as an assembly already approved for use. Other than reformatting each section and adding a requirement for electrical circuit protective systems to be tested to the appropriate ASTM standard, there is no other significant change to what we believe is the intent of the code, and what the code already requires and/or permits.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change will not increase the cost of construction since the intent of the code is not changed by this proposal.

Analysis: A review of the standard proposed for inclusion in the code, ASTM E 1725 "STANDARD TEST METHODS FOR FIRE TESTS OF FIRE-RESISTIVE BARRIER SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS", , with regard to the ICC criteria
for referenced standards (Section 3.6 of CP#28) will be posted on the ICC website on or before April 2, 2015.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: The proposal provides consistency for the protection of cables and electrical circuits. The five current locations addressing this issue have five unique sets of requirements. This proposal will provide consistency. It allows other methods that have been tested and proved effective. The concern raised is the term 'critical circuit'. The term is undefined and the terms used in the NEC are different.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Jonathan Roberts, representing Underwriters Laboratories (jonathan.roberts@ul.com) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

Elevator protection. Wires or cables that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire detecting systems to elevators shall be protected by one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire- resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

Ventilation systems. Smokeproof enclosure ventilation systems shall be independent of other building ventilation systems. The equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall comply with one of the following:

Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located exterior to the building and directly connected to the smokeproof enclosure or connected to the smokeproof enclosure by ductwork enclosed by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located within the smokeproof enclosure with intake or exhaust directly from and to the outside or through ductwork enclosed by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Equipment, control wiring, power wiring and ductwork shall be located within the building if separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Exception:

Control wiring and power wiring located outside of a 2-hour fire barrier construction shall be protected using any one of the following methods:
Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Where encased with not less than 2 inches (51 mm) of concrete.
Electrical circuit protective systems tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire- resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.

913.2.2 Circuits supplying fire pumps. Cables used for survivability of circuits supplying fire pumps shall be protected using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire- resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

2702.3 Critical circuits. Required critical circuits shall be protected using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire- resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

3007.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway and machine room and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to fire service access elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire- resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operations.

3008.8.1 Protection of wiring or cables. Wires or cables that are located outside of the elevator hoistway, machine room, control room and control space and that provide normal or standby power, control signals, communication with the car, lighting, heating, air conditioning, ventilation and fire-detecting systems to occupant evacuation elevators shall be protected using one of the following methods:

Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire- resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Electrical circuit protective systems shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1725 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

Exception: Wiring and cables to control signals are not required to be protected provided that wiring and cables do not serve Phase II emergency in-car operation.

Commenter's Reason: We agree with many of the updates in this proposal, which are reflected in this public comment. However we cannot support the addition of ASTM E 1725 in these sections.
Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits should be tested to evaluate their functionality during a period of fire exposure. UL 2196 evaluates a cable's ability to function during the fire exposure test, including having voltage and current applied to the cable during the fire exposure portion of the test. It also includes specific conditions of acceptance to verify the cable's functionality, both during and after the fire exposure and a hose stream test.

ASTM E1725, which is proposed as an alternate method for determining cable survivability does not evaluate the cable's ability to function during the fire test. Instead it includes acceptance criteria that does not allow temperatures on the cable from exceeding an average temperature 250°F above ambient or an individual thermocouple temperature from exceeding 325°F above ambient, both which are far in excess of the temperature ratings of most cables used in these applications. It also does not evaluate performance after hose stream test exposure.

Final Hearing Results

G117-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G120-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 420.7 (New)

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)

Add new text as follows:

Assisted living housing units. In Group I-1 occupancies, where a fire resistance corridor is provided, in areas where assisted living residents are housed, shared living spaces, group meeting or multipurpose therapeutic spaces open to the corridor shall be in accordance with all of the following criteria:

The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed as required for corridors.
The spaces are not occupied as resident sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses in accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.
The open space is protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.
In Group I-1, Condition 1, the corridors onto which the spaces open are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, or the spaces are equipped throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
In Group I-1, Condition 2, the corridors onto which the spaces open, in the same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, or the smoke compartment in which the spaces are located is equipped throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exits.

Reason: The intent of the two proposals for a new Section 420.7 and 420.8 is to allow the same 'home style' environment for Group I-1 that is permitted to Sections 407.2.5 and 407.2.6 for Group I-2 nursing homes.
Section 420.7: This section allows similar open spaces to corridors as in Group I-2 with similar safeguards added from Group I- 2 in Section 407. Prior to the 2015 IBC many assisted living and memory care were designed as Group I-2 which allows spaces open to corridors. Under the 2015 IBC Group I-1 can integrate intervening rooms from Chapter 10 and are not required to integrate corridors to serve sleeping units and dwelling units. It is only when the enclosed exit access component corridor is provided that the added protection features of corridors to be included. The issue is that there is a wide range of interpretation of if, when, and where corridors are required when showing typical "household" plans that most memory care and some assisted living are designed as.
These plans typically are designed similar to a household where a bedroom opens directly to a living, dining, and activity area. A wide range of interpretation occurs despite the fact there is no intervening room limit for Group I-1 or corridor requirement for Group I-1. It is only Group I-2 that states that corridors are required to serve sleeping units in Section 407. This proposed section confirms that it is acceptable to use intervening rooms or these open spaces to corridor provisions in these care type settings.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the Care Facilities Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This is an increase in cost for Group I-1 facilities that use this option, however, it will allow for greater freedom in design.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal is clearly borrowed from the I-2 provisions of the 2015 IBC and earlier editions. As the push is  to more home-like living design in I-1 occupancies, these uses located open to a corridor will help foster that idea. The safety aspects provided for such features in I-2 are mirrored here.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G120-15	AS

Code Change No: G121-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 420.7 (New), 420.7.1 (New), 420.7.2 (New)

Proponent: Adolf Zubia, representing IAFC Fire & Life Safety Section

Add new text as follows:

Dormitory cooking facilities. Domestic cooking appliances for use by residents of Group R-2 college dormitories shall be in accordance with Sections 420.7.1 and 420.7.2.

Cooking appliances. Where located in Group R-2 college dormitories, domestic cooking appliances for use by residents shall be in compliance with all of the following:

The types of domestic cooking appliances shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers, coffee makers and microwaves.
Domestic cooking appliances shall be limited to approved locations.
Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.13.
Cooktops and ranges shall be provided with a domestic cooking hood installed and constructed in accordance with Section 505 of the international Mechanical Code.

Cooking appliances in sleeping rooms. Cooktops, ranges and ovens shall not be installed or used in sleeping rooms.

Reason: This proposal is submitted by Fire and Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. This proposal accomplishes the following:

There currently are no requirements in the IBC that regulate domestic cooking appliances for use by residents in Group R- 2 college dormitories. This proposal includes basic requirements for the code official to follow in approving such installations.
Proposed Sections 420.7 and 420.7.1 include requirements that permit domestic cooking appliances in both common areas and sleeping rooms in college dormitories. It does not cover resident dwelling units in college campuses that are not classified as dormitories.
Section 420.7.1 covers domestic cooking appliances in common areas in college dormitories. The cooking appliances allowed are the same as those allowed in Section 407.2.6, Item 4 for Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies.
Section 420.7.2 prohibits ovens, cooktops and ranges from being used in sleeping rooms. This reflects that fact that cooktops and ranges are the leading causes of fires in residential settings. For details see: http://www.iafc.org/files/1FIREPREV/flss_ResidentialRangeTopSafetyReport.pdf. This section does allow the use of other cooking appliances, such as microwaves and coffee makers, in sleeping rooms. However individual colleges may have more restrictive rules that prohibit some of these appliances from being used in their dormitories.

IFC/IBC Section 914.13 and 904.13.1 will be revised in the Group B code change cycle. The intent is to provide the same protection for domestic cooking appliances in R-2 college dormitories as currently provided in Group I-2, Condition 1 facilities. In essence a UL 300A fire-extinguishing system is required when a cooktop or range is provided. An automatic fire-extinguishing system is not required when only ovens, ranges, warmers, coffee makers or microwaves are provided. the revisions in Group B will be:

904.13 Domestic cooking systems in Group I-2 Condition 1. Cooktops and ranges installed in the following occupancies shall be protected in accordance with Sections 904.13.1 through 904.13.2:

In Group I-2 Condition 1, occupancies where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 407.2.6 of the International Building Code,
In Group R-2 college dormitories where domestic cooking facilities are installed in accordance with Section 420.7. the domestic cooking hood provided over the cooktop or range shall be equipped with an automatic fire-extinguishing system of a type recognized for protection of domestic cooking equipment. Preengineered automatic extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance with UL 300A and listed and labeled for the intended application. The system shall be facilities are installed in accordance with this code, its listing and the manufacturer's instructions.

904.13.1 Manual operation and interconnection Automatic fire-extinguishing system. Manual actuation and system interconnection shall be in accordance with Section 904.12.1 and 904.12.2, respectively. The domestic cooking hood provided over the cooktop or range shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with the following:

The automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be of a type recognized for protection of domestic cooking equipment.
Preengineered automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 300A and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Manual actuation of the fire-extinguishing system shall be provided in accordance with Section 904.12.1. 3.	Interconnection of the fuel and electric power supply shall be in accordance with Section 904.12.2.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This code change has the potential to increase the cost of construction due to the additional protection.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The issue of cooking facilities in dormitories needs to be addressed. It occurs and the code doesn't clearly address. The provision is modeled after the provisions allowed for the I-2 occupancy. A related changed is planned for the IFC during the cycle next year. The committee raised the concern that if these occupancies are used during the summer as an R-1 whether accessibilty provisions may come into play.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G121-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G123-15

Original Proposal

Section: 420.8 (New), 420.8.1 (New), 420.9 (New)

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technologies Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)

Add new text as follows:

Group I-1 cooking facilities. In Group I-1 occupancies rooms or spaces that contain a cooking facilities with domestic cooking appliances shall be in accordance with all the following criteria:

In Group I-1 Condition 1 occupancies, the number of care recipients served by one cooking facility shall not be greater than 30.
In Group I-1 Condition 2 occupancies, the number of care recipients served by one cooking facility and within the same smoke compartment shall not be greater than 30.
The types of domestic cooking appliances permitted shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers and microwaves.
The space containing the domestic cooking facilities shall be arranges so as not to obstruct access to the required exit.
Domestic cooking hoods installed and constructed in accordance with Section 505 of the International Mechanical Code shall be provided over cooktops or ranges.
Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.13.
A shut-off for the fuel and electrical supply to the cooking equipment shall be provided in a location that is accessible only to staff.
A timer shall be provided that automatically deactivates the cooking appliances within a period of not more than 120 minutes.
A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 906 and the extinguisher shall be located within a 30-foot (9144 mm) distance of travel from each domestic cooking appliance.

420.8.1 Cooking facilities open to the corridor. Cooking facilities located in a room or space open to a corridor, aisle or common space shall comply with Section 420.8.

420.9 Group R cooking facilities. In Group R occupancies, cooking appliances used for domestic cooking operations shall be in accordance with Section 917.2 of the International Mechanical Code.

Reason: The intent of the two proposals for a new Section 420.7 and 420.8 is to allow the same 'home style' environment for Group I-1 that is permitted to Sections 407.2.5 and 407.2.6 for Group I-2 nursing homes.
Section 420.8 and 420.8.1: This additional protection feature requirement clarifies that kitchens in typical memory care neighborhood plans or assisted living neighborhood plans are allowed in contiguous spaces to rooms used for sleeping. This proposal then implements the additional protection features required in similar applications from Group I-2 as was approved for the 2015 IBC is Section 407.
Section 420.9: While Group R (other than Group R-4) outside the scope of the CTC Care study group, since Section 420 includes provisions for Group I-1 and R, it was felt that something had to be said regarding Group R cooking facilities following the provisions of Group I-1 cooking facilities. The intent of Section 420.9 is to allow for hotel rooms, assisted living suites, dorm suites, and small congregate residences to be allowed to use the provisions in the IMC for domestic cooking appliances. If the hotel or dormitory has a central restaurant or cafeteria, this section would not be applicable because it would be commercial cooking.
A correlative change to IFC Section 904.13 for installation of the cooking systems will be provided in Group B. Basically the Group I- 1 will follow the same limits as the Group I-2, Condition 2. This proposal is coordinated with a proposal coming from FCAC and BCAC for Group I-2, Condition 1 cooking facilities.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the Care

Facilities Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This is an increase in cost for Group I-1 facilities that use this option, however, it will allow for greater freedom in design. Alternatively, requiring a commercial appliance and hood in place of the domestic appliance could be more costly. This should not be a change for domestic cooking appliances in Group R.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: During the development of the 2015 IBC, such cooking facilties were allowed for I-2 facilities. I-1 with a concept of being more home-like should also be allowed the same options based on the same safeguards.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G123-15	AS

Code Change No: G124-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 202, 422.2, [F] 903.2.2 (IFC 903.2.2)

Proponent: John Williams, CBO, Chair, representing Adhoc Health Care Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY. Buildings or portions thereof used to provide medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or similar care on a less than 24-hour basis to persons who are rendered incapable of self-preservation by the services provided or staff has accepted responsibility for care recipients already incapable.

422.2 Separation. Ambulatory care facilities where the potential for four or more care recipients are to be incapable of self-preservation at any time, whether rendered incapable by staff or staff accepted
responsibility for a care recipient already incapable, shall be separated from adjacent spaces, corridors or tenants with a fire partition installed in accordance with Section 708.

903.2.2 Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:

Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation, whether rendered incapable by staff or staff has accepted responsibility for care recipients already incapable.
One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.

In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge,
an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor where such care is provided as well as all floors below, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge.

Reason: This proposal modifies the definition of the term ambulatory care facility. The current definition envisions typical scenarios for when a care facility might house a person who is incapable of self preservation. The definition does not capture people who are unexpectedly incapable of preservation, such as a person fainting in an office building. It does capture those facilitates who intend to render a patient incapable. The point was brought up in one of the previous cycles, what about those facilities that accept responsibility for patients who are incapable. For example, free standing emergency centers. A code change was approved that addressed this change when setting sprinkler requirements. The code change moves that accepted concept into the definition from the two locations where it is currently found.
The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/AHC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This revision is a clarification. The proposal essentially moves text from the code to the defintion, therefore, this will not increase the construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal moves text essential to understanding the scope of this use from its current location and places  it in the definition. The concern raised was whether this was putting a technical criteria in the definition. In this case it is an element of distinguish this use from other uses.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G124-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G125-15

Original Proposal

Section: IBC: 422.6 (New); IFC: 604.2.1(IBC [F] 2702.2.1) (New)

Proponent: John Williams, CBO, Chair, representing Adhoc Health Care Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org)

Add new text as follows:

422.6 Electrical systems. In ambulatory care facilities, the essential electrical system for electrical components, equipment and systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 27 and NFPA 99. 

2015 International Fire Code

604.2.1(IBC [F] 2702.2.1) Ambulatory care facilities. Essential electrical systems for ambulatory care facilities shall be in accordance with Section 422.6 of the International Building Code.

Reason: The IBC currently has no direction on whether essential electrical systems (such as emergency generator) are required at ambulatory care facilities. This proposal adds the direction to go to NFPA 99, the Healthcare Facilities Code for that assessment. NFPA 99 provides a risk based approach to determine the need for an essential electrical system, what class system is required and general design requirements for each type of system.
The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/AHC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
The code change proposal will increase the cost of construction. Adding an essential electrical system will add the cost of a generator, as well as maintenance and testing over what is required currently in the IBC/IFC. However, any Medicare certified ambulatory care facilities are required by federal CMS regulations to have this system, therefore, the cost of construction will not increase. Note that not all ambulatory care facilities are Medicare certified.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides clarity for the electrical systems installed in ambulatory care facilities. It provides consistent regulations to those applying to Group I occupancies.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G125-15	AS

Code Change No: G126-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 424.1

Proponent: Marcelo Hirschler, representing GBH International (gbhint@aol.com)

Revise as follows:

424.1 Children's play structures. Children's play structures installed inside all occupancies covered by this code that exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) in height and or 150 square feet (14 m2) in area shall comply with Sections 424.2 through 424.5.

Reason: The intent of this code section is to protect children from exposure to fire in large play structures. Code officials have expressed a concern that there have been instances where suggested structures were proposed where one of the dimensions (width or height) was just slightly smaller than the cut off and the other one vastly exceeded the cut off. With the language requiring both dimensions to exceed the limits this may be interpreted that, as long as as one dimension does not exceed the limits the other dimension has no limits. That is not safe.
The change should clarify that there is a limitation on each dimension.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This will prevent the construction/installation of unsafe structures where one dimension is unlimited.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This code change closes a loophole and thereby improves the code. However, the 150 square foot threshold is a concern. 200 square feet may be more appropriate, but it is not critical enough to disapprove the proposal.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G126-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G127-15

Original Proposal

Section(s):	427 (New)

Proponent: Lee Kranz, City of Bellevue, WA

SECTION 427 MEDICAL GAS SYSTEMS
427.1 Medical gas systems. Medical gas systems shall comply with Section 5306 of the International Fire Code.

Reason: Provisions for medical gas installations are currently found in Section 5306 of the IFC but many of the requirements for these installations require a building permit and should also be regulated from the IBC. There are no substantive changes proposed to the language found in the IFC. Examples of similar references to other codes and standards are found in Sections 425 & 916.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Inserting a reference to the medical gas regulations currently found in the IFC will not change the cost of installation.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: There was reluctance to creating a whole new section to just provide a pointer to provisions in the Fire Code. There are construction related criteria in the IFC, but it was also pointed out that additional provisions are also in the IPC. The was support for moving the construction provisions found in the IFC into the IBC rather than simply a pointer.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Robert Snyder, City of Bellevue, representing Washington Association of Building Officials Technical Code Development Committee (rsnyder@bellevuewa.gov) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Replace proposal as follows:

Medical gas systems General. Medical gas Storage of medical gases at health care-related facilities intended for patient care, inhalation or sedation including, but not limited to, analgesia systems for dentistry, podiatry, veterinary and similar uses shall comply with Section 5306 Sections 427.2 through 427.2.3 in addition to requirements of Chapter 53 of the International Fire Code.

Interior supply location. Storage of medical gases at health care-related facilities intended for patient care, inhalation or sedation including, but not limited to, analgesia systems for dentistry, podiatry, veterinary and similar uses shall comply with Sections 427.2 through 427.2.3 in addition to other requirements of Chapter 53 of the International Fire Code.

One-hour exterior room. A 1-hour exterior room shall be a room or enclosure separated from the remainder of the building by ﬁre barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both, with a ﬁre-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings between the room or enclosure and interior spaces shall be provided with self-closing smoke and draft-control assemblies having a ﬁre protection rating of not less than 1 hour. Rooms shall have not less than one exterior wall that is provided with not less than two vents. Each vent shall be not less than 36 square inches (0.0223 m2) in area. One vent shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ﬂoor and one shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling. Rooms shall be provided with at least one automatic sprinkler to provide container cooling in case of ﬁre.

One-hour interior room. Where an exterior wall cannot be provided for the room a 1-hour interior room or enclosure shall be provided and separated from the remainder of the building by ﬁre barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 or both, with a ﬁre resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Openings between the room or enclosure and interior spaces shall be provided with self-closing smoke and draft control assemblies having a ﬁre protection rating of not less than 1 hour. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed within the room. The room shall be exhausted through a duct to the exterior. Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a one-hour rated shaft enclosure from the room to the exterior. Approved mechanical ventilation shall comply with the International Mechanical Code and be provided with a minimum rate of one cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.00508 m3/(s.m2) of the area of the room.
Gas cabinets. Gas cabinets shall be constructed in accordance with Section 5003.8.6 of the International Fire Code and shall comply with the following:

Constructed of not less than 0.097 inch (2.5 mm) No. 12 ga steel.
Provided with self-closing limited access ports or noncombustible windows to give access to equipment controls. 3.	Exhausted to the exterior through dedicated exhaust duct system installed in accordance with Chapter 5 of the
International Mechanical Code.
Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a one-hour rated shaft enclosure from the cabinet to the exterior. The average velocity of ventilation at the face of access ports or windows shall be not less than 200 feet per minute (1.02 m/s) with a minimum of 150 feet per minute (0.076 m/s) at any point of the access port or window.
Provided with an automatic sprinkler system internal to the cabinet.

Commenter's Reason: Provisions for the construction of medical gas system storage facilities are currently found in Section 5306 of the International Fire Code. Since most of the medical gas construction related requirements in the IFC reference the IBC, it is logical for those requirements to be incorporated into the IBC also.
Only construction related requirements, with no substantive changes, are being copied into the IBC. This proposal duplicates those requirements in the IBC by creating a new Section in Chapter 4. At the Code Development Committee Hearings, while the committee was reluctant to approve the creation of a whole new section to provide a pointer to the medical gas construction provisions in the IFC only, the committee indicated support of moving those provisions into the IBC which is what this public comment accomplishes.

Final Hearing Results

G127-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G130-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 503.1, 706.1

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

503.1 General. Unless otherwise specifically modified in Chapter 4 and this chapter, building height, number of stories and building area shall not exceed the limits specified in Sections 504 and 506 based on the type of construction as determined by Section 602 and the occupancies as determined by Section 302 except as modified hereafter. Building height, number of stories and building area provisions shall be applied independently. Each For the purposes of determining area limitations, height limitations and type of construction, each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls complying with Section 706 shall be considered to be a separate building.

706.1 General. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls that comply with the provisions of this section Fire walls shall be considered a separate building constructed in accordance with Sections 706.2 through 706.11. The extent and location of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Where a fire wall separates occupancies that are required to be separated by a fire
barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply.

Reason: This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments.
Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.
The purpose of this proposal is to clarify the intent of the these sections of the Code that the requirement for a fire wall in Sections
503.1 and 706.1 is predicated on the determination of the maximum allowable height and area calculations under Chapter 5. Using these sections of Code to control other building features or elements such as means of egress, building systems or building utilities is not intended or implied by these sections of the Code. However, by inclusion of the first sentence in Section 706.1 some code officials have incorrectly interpreted that language to mean that the portions of the various elements and systems on each side of a fire wall must be completely self-contained. There are no requirements in the I Codes that mandate that the placement of fire walls to create a separate building such that its building features need to be separated from other like building features in adjacent buildings. The scope of Section 706 is to provide the technical requirements for the construction of a fire wall.
The added language in Section 503.1 along with the strikeout and added language in Section 706.1 will clarify application of these two sections.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The cost of construction will be reduced by eliminating incorrect application of Section 706.1.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal clearly separates the scoping of fire walls from the design requirements for fire walls.  Section
706.1 is the location of the standards for fire walls and is similar other provisions in Chapter 7 which are the 'cook books' for each type of wall and horizontal assemblies. The committee hopes that this will reduce requests for duplication of other systems such as sprinkler systems, electrical systems, etc, in each portion of a structure separated by fire walls. The new text in 503.1 clearly states why fire walls are needed for addressing height and area limitations as well as type of construction.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G130-15	AS

Code Change No: G133-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: TABLE 504.3, TABLE 504.4, TABLE 506.2, TABLE 803.11, 1006.2.2.6 (New), TABLE 1017.2,
TABLE 1020.1; (IFC, TABLE 1006.2.1, 1006.2.2, 1006.2.2.6 (New), TABLE 1017.2, TABLE 1020.1)

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org); Edward Kulik, Chair Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

TABLE 504.3
ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHT IN FEET ABOVE GRADE PLANE a

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
	SEE FOOTNOTES	TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
		A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	
A, B, E, F, M, S, U	NSb	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	50	40	
	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	85	70	60	
H-1, H-2, H-3, H-5	NSc, d	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	50	40	
	S										
H-4	NSc, d	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	50	40	
	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	85	70	60	
I-1 Condition 1, I-3	NSd, e	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	50	40	
	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	85	70	60	
I-1 Condition 2, I-2	NSd, f, e	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	50	40	
	S	UL	180	85							
I-4	NSd, g	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	50	40	
	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	85	70	60	

Rh	NSd, h	UL	160	65	55	65	55	65	50	40	
	S13D	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	50	40	
	S13R	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	60	
	S	UL	180	85	75	85	75	85	70	60	
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Note: UL = Unlimited; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.
New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1 occupancies Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.
New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the International Fire Code.

For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.

TABLE 504.4
ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANE a, b

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
	SEE FOOTNOTES	TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
		A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	
A-1	NS	UL	5	3	2	3	2	3	2	1	
	S	UL	6	4	3	4	3	4	3	2	
A-2	NS	UL	11	3	2	3	2	3	2	1	
	S	UL	12	4	3	4	3	4	3	2	
A-3	NS	UL	11	3	2	3	2	3	2	1	
	S	UL	12	4	3	4	3	4	3	2	
A-4	NS	UL	11	3	2	3	2	3	2	1	
	S	UL	12	4	3	4	3	4	3	2	
A-5	NS	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	
	S	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	UL	
B	NS	UL	11	5	3	5	3	5	3	2	
	S	UL	12	6	4	6	4	6	4	3	
E	NS	UL	5	3	2	3	2	3	1	1	
	S	UL	6	4	3	4	3	4	2	2	
F-1	NS	UL	11	4	2	3	2	4	2	1	
	S	UL	12	5	3	4	3	5	3	2	
F-2	NS	UL	11	5	3	4	3	5	3	2	
	S	UL	12	6	4	5	4	6	4	3	
H-1	NSc, d	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	NP	
	S										
H-2	NSc, d	UL	3	2	1	2	1	2	1	1	
	S										
H-3	NSc, d	UL	6	4	2	4	2	4	2	1	
	S										
H-4	NSc, d	UL	7	5	3	5	3	5	3	2	
	S	UL	8	6	4	6	4	6	4	3	
H-5	NSc, d	4	4	3	3	3	3	3	3	2	
	S										
I-1 Condition 1	NSd, e	UL	9	4	3	4	3	4	3	2	
	S	UL	10	5	4	5	4	5	4	3	
I-1 Condition 2	NSd, e	UL	9	4	3	4	3	4	3	2	
	S	UL	10	5							
I-2	NSd, f	UL	4	2	1	1	NP	1	1	NP	
	S	UL	5	3							
I-3	NSd, e	UL	4	2	1	2	1	2	2	1	
	S	UL	5	3	2	3	2	3	3	2	
I-4	NSd, g	UL	5	3	2	3	2	3	1	1	
	S	UL	6	4	3	4	3	4	2	2	

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
	SEE FOOTNOTES	TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
		A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	
M	NS	UL	11	4	2	4	2	4	3	1	
	S	UL	12	5	3	5	3	5	4	2	

R-1 h	NSd, h	UL	11	4	4	4	4	4	3	2	
	S13R	4	4						4	3	
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	5	4	3	

R-2 h	NSd, h	UL	11	4	4	4	4	4	3	2	
	S13R	4	4	4					4	3	
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	5	4	3	

R-3 h	NSd, h	UL	11	
4	
4	
4	
4	
4	3	3	
	S13D	4	4						3	3	
	S13R	4	4						4	4	
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	5	4	4	

R-4 h	NSd, h	UL	11	
4	
4	
4	
4	
4	3	2	
	S13D	4	4						3	2	
	S13R	4	4						4	3	
	S	UL	12	5	5	5	5	5	4	3	
S-1	NS	UL	11	4	2	3	2	4	3	1	
	S	UL	12	5	3	4	3	5	4	2	
S-2	NS	UL	11	5	3	4	3	4	4	2	
	S	UL	12	6	4	5	4	5	5	3	
U	NS	UL	5	4	2	3	2	4	2	1	
	S	UL	6	5	3	4	3	5	3	2	
Note: UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.
New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1 occupancies, Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.
New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the International Fire Code.
For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.

TABLE 506.2
ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (At = NS, S1, S13R, or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEET a, b

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	
SEE FOOTNOTE S	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
		TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
		A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	

A-1	NS	UL	UL	15,500	8,500	14,000	8,500	15,000	11,500	5,500	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	34,000	56,000	34,000	60,000	46,000	22,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	25,500	42,000	25,500	45,000	34,500	16,500	

A-2	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	15,000	11,500	6,000	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	60,000	46,000	24,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	45,000	34,500	18,000	

A-3	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	15,000	11,500	6,000	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	60,000	46,000	24,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	45,000	34,500	18,000	

A-4	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	15,000	11,500	6,000	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	60,000	46,000	24,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	45,000	34,500	18,000	

A-5	NS	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
	S1										
	SM										

B	NS	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	19,000	36,000	18,000	9,000	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	76,000	144,000	72,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	57,000	108,000	54,000	27,000	

E	NS	UL	UL	26,500	14,500	23,500	14,500	25,500	18,500	9.500	
	S1	UL	UL	106,000	58,000	94,000	58,000	102,000	74,000	38,000	
	SM	UL	UL	79,500	43,500	70,500	43,500	76,500	55,500	28,500	

F-1	NS	UL	UL	25,000	15,500	19,000	12,000	33,500	14,000	8.500	
	S1	UL	UL	100,000	62,000	76,000	48,000	134,000	56,000	34,000	
	SM	UL	UL	75,000	46,500	57,000	36,000	100,500	42,000	25,500	

F-2	NS	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	18,000	50,500	21,000	13,000	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	72,000	202,000	84,000	52,000	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	54,000	151,500	63,000	39,000	
H-1	NSc	21,00
0	16,500	11,000	7,000	9.500	7,000	10,500	7,500	NP	
	S1										

H-2	NSc	
21,00
0	
16,500	
11,000	
7,000	
9.500	
7,000	
10,500	
7,500	
3,000	
	S1										
	SM										

H-3	NSc	
UL	
60,000	
26,500	
14,000	
17,500	
13,000	
25,500	
10,000	
5,000	
	S1										
	SM										

H-4	NSc, d	UL	UL	37,500	17,500	28,500	17,500	36,000	18,000	6,500	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	70,000	114,000	70,000	144,000	72,000	26,000	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	52,500	85,500	52,500	108,000	54,000	19,500	
H-5	NSc, d	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	19,000	36,000	18,000	9,000	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	76,000	144,000	72,000	36,000	

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	
SEE FOOTNOTE S	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
		TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
		A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	57,000	108000	54,000	27,000	

I-1	NSd, e	UL	55,000	19,000	10,000	16,500	10,000	18,000	10,500	4,500	
	S1	UL	220,000	76,000	40,000	66,000	40,000	72,000	42,000	18,000	
	SM	UL	165,000	57,000	30,000	49,500	30,000	54,000	31,500	13,500	

I-2	NSd, f	UL	UL	15,000	11,000	12,000	NP	12,000	9,500	NP	
	S1	UL	UL	60,000	44,000	48,000	NP	48,000	38,000	NP	
	SM	UL	UL	45,000	33,000	36,000	NP	36,000	28,500	NP	

I-3	NSd, e	UL	UL	15,000	10,000	10,500	7,500	12,000	7,500	5,000	
	S1	UL	UL	45,000	40,000	42,000	30,000	48,000	30,000	20,000	
	SM	UL	UL	45,000	30,000	31,500	22,500	36,000	22,500	15,000	

I-4	NSd, g	UL	60.500	26,500	13,000	23,500	13,000	25,500	18,500	9,000	
	S1	UL	121,000	106,00
0	52,000	94,000	52,000	102,000	74,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	181,500	79,500	39,000	70,500	39,000	76,500	55,500	27,000	

M	NS	UL	UL	21,500	12,500	18,500	12,500	20,500	14,000	9,000	
	S1	UL	UL	86,000	50,000	74,000	50,000	82,000	56,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	UL	64,500	37,500	55,500	37,500	61,500	42,000	27,000	

R-1 h	NSd, h	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	20,500	12,000	7,000	
	S13R										
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	82,000	48,000	28,000	
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	61,500	36,000	21,000	

R-2h	NSd, h	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	20,500	12,000	7,000	
	S13R										
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	82,000	48,000	28,000	
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	61,500	36,000	21,000	

R-3h	NSd, h	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	
	S13D										
	S13R										
	S1										
	SM										

R-4h	NSd, h	
UL	
UL	
24,000	
16,000	
24,000	
16,000	
20,500	
12,000	
7,000	
	S13D										
	S13R										
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	82,000	48,000	28,000	
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	61,500	36,000	21,000	

S-1	NS	UL	48,000	26,000	17,500	26,000	17,500	25,500	14,000	9,000	
	S1	UL	192,000	104,00
0	70,000	104,000	70,000	102,000	56,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	144,000	78,000	52,500	78,000	52,500	76,500	42,000	27,000	

S-2	NS	UL	79,000	39,000	26,000	39,000	26,000	38,500	21,000	13,500	
	S1	UL	316,000	156,00
0	104,000	156,000	104,00
0	154,000	84,000	54,000	

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	
SEE FOOTNOTE S	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
		TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
		A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	
	SM	UL	237,000	117,00
0	78,000	117,000	78,000	115,500	63,000	40,500	

U	NS	UL	35,500	19,000	8,500	14,000	8,500	18,000	9,000	5,500	
	S1	UL	142,000	76,000	34,000	56,000	34,000	72,000	36,000	22,000	
	SM	UL	106,500	57,000	25,500	42,000	25,500	54,000	27,000	16,500	
Note: UL = Unlimited; NP = Not permitted; For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; SM = Buildings two or more stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building area in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.
New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1 occupancies, Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.
New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the International Fire Code.
New Group I-4 occupancies see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.

TABLE 803.11
INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH REQUIREMENTS BY OCCUPANCYk

GROUP	SPRINKLEREDl	NONSPRINKLERED	
	Interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passagewaysa, b	Corridors and enclosure for exit access stairways and exit access ramps	Rooms and enclosed spacesc	Interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passagewaysa, b	Corridors and enclosure for exit access stairways and exit access ramps	Rooms and enclosed spacesc	
A-1 & A- 2	B	B	C	A	Ad	Be	
A-3f , A- 4, A-5	B	B	C	A	Ad	C	
B, E, M, R-1	B	C	C	A	B	C	
R-4m	B	C	C	A	B	B	
F	C	C	C	B	C	C	
H	B	B	Cg	A	A	B	
I-1	B	C	C	A	B	B	
I-2	B	B	Bh, i	A	A	B	
I-3	A	Aj	C	A	A	B	
I-4	B	B	Bh, i	A	A	B	
R-2	C	C	C	B	B	C	

R-3m	C	C	C	C	C	C	
S	C	C	C	B	B	C	
U	No restrictions	No restrictions	
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929m2 .
Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted for wainscotting or paneling of not more than 1,000 square feet of applied surface area in the grade lobby where applied directly to a noncombustible base or over furring strips applied to a noncombustible base and fireblocked as required by Section 803.13.1.
In other than Group I-3 occupancies in buildings less than three stories above grade plane, Class B interior finish for nonsprinklered buildings and Class C interior finish for sprinklered buildings shall be permitted in interior exit stairways and ramps.
Requirements for rooms and enclosed spaces shall be based upon spaces enclosed by partitions. Where a fire- resistance rating is required for structural elements, the enclosing partitions shall extend from the floor to the ceiling. Partitions that do not comply with this shall be considered enclosing spaces and the rooms or spaces on both sides shall be considered one. In determining the applicable requirements for rooms and enclosed spaces, the specific occupancy thereof shall be the governing factor regardless of the group classification of the building or structure.
Lobby areas in Group A-1, A-2 and A-3 occupancies shall not be less than Class B materials.
Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in places of assembly with an occupant load of 300 persons or less.
For places of religious worship, wood used for ornamental purposes, trusses, paneling or chancel furnishing shall be permitted.
Class B material is required where the building exceeds two stories.
Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in administrative spaces.
Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in rooms with a capacity of four persons or less.
Class B materials shall be permitted as wainscotting extending not more than 48 inches above the finished floor in corridors and exit access stairways and ramps.
Finish materials as provided for in other sections of this code.
Applies when protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Where Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies are permitted in Section 903.2.8 to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 the requirements for a non-sprinklered building shall apply.

TABLE 1006.2.1
SPACES WITH ONE EXIT OR EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY

OCCUPANCY	

MAXIMUM OCCUPANT LOAD OF SPACE	MAXIMUM COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL DISTANCE (feet)	
		Without Sprinkler System (feet)	
With Sprinkler System (feet)	
		Occupant Load		
		OL ≤ 30	OL 30		
Ac , E, M	49	75	75	75a	
B	49	100	75	100a	
F	49	75	75	100a	
H-1, H-2, H-3	3	NP	NP	25b	
H-4, H-5	10	NP	NP	75b	
I-1, I-2d , I-4	10	NP	NP	75a	
I-3	10	NP	NP	100a	
R-1	10	NP	NP	75a	
R-2	10	NP	NP	125a	
R-3e	10	NP	NP	125a, g	
R-4e	10	75 NP	75NP	125a, g	
Sf	29	100	75	100a	
U	49	100	75	75a	
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

NP = Not Permitted
Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2. See Section 903 for occupancies where automatic sprinkler systems are permitted in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
Group H occupancies equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
For a room or space used for assembly purposes having fixed seating, see Section 1029.8.
For the travel distance limitations in Group I-2, see Section 407.4.
The length of common path of egress travel distance in a Group R-3 occupancy located in a mixed occupancy building or within a Group R-3 or R-4 congregate living facility.
The length of common path of egress travel distance in a Group S-2 open parking garage shall be not more than 100 feet.
For the travel distance limitations in Group R-3 and R-4 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, see Section 1006.2.2.6.

1006.2.2 Egress based on use. The numbers of exits or access to exits shall be provided in the uses described in Sections 1006.2.2.1 through 1006.2.2.5 1006.2.2.6.

Add new text as follows:

1006.2.2.6 Group R-3 and R-4. Where Group R-3 occupancies are permitted by Section 903.2.8 to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, the exit access travel distance for Group R-3 shall not be more than 125 feet. Where Group R-4 occupancies are permitted by Section 903.2.8 to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, the exit access travel distance for Group R-4 shall not be more than 75 feet.

TABLE 1017.2
EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCEa
OCCUPANCY	WITHOUT SPRINKLER SYSTEM
(feet)	WITH SPRINKLER SYSTEM
(feet)	
A, E, F-1, M, R, S-1	200e	250b	
I-1	Not Permitted	250b	
B	200	300c	
F-2, S-2, U	300	400c	
H-1	Not Permitted	75d	
H-2	Not Permitted	100d	
H-3	Not Permitted	150d	
H-4	Not Permitted	175d	
H-5	Not Permitted	200c	
I-2, I-3, I-4	Not Permitted	200c	
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
See the following sections for modifications to exit access travel distance requirements: Section 402.8: For the distance limitation in malls.
Section 404.9: For the distance limitation through an atrium space. Section 407.4: For the distance limitation in Group I-2.
Sections 408.6.1 and 408.8.1: For the distance limitations in Group I-3. Section 411.4: For the distance limitation in special amusement buildings. Section 412.7: For the distance limitations in aircraft manufacturing facilities.
Section 1006.2.2.2: For the distance limitation in refrigeration machinery rooms. Section 1006.2.2.3: For the distance limitation in refrigerated rooms and spaces. Section 1006.3.2: For buildings with one exit.
Section 1017.2.2: For increased distance limitation in Groups F-1 and S-1. Section 1029.7: For increased limitation in assembly seating.
Section 3103.4: For temporary structures. Section 3104.9: For pedestrian walkways.

Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2. See Section 903 for occupancies where automatic sprinkler systems are permitted in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Group H occupancies equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.1.
Group R-3 and R-4 buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3. See Section 903.2.8 for occupancies where automatic sprinkler systems are permitted in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

TABLE 1020.1
CORRIDOR FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING

OCCUPANCY	OCCUPANT LOAD SERVED BY CORRIDOR	REQUIRED FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING (hours)	
		Without sprinkler system	With sprinkler systemc	
H-1, H-2, H-3	All	Not Permitted	1	
H-4, H-5	Greater than 30	Not Permitted	1	
A, B, E, F, M, S, U	Greater than 30	1	0	
R	Greater than 10	Not Permitted 1d	0.5	
I-2a , I-4	All	Not Permitted	0	
I-1, I-3	All	Not Permitted	1b	
For requirements for occupancies in Group I-2, see Sections 407.2 and 407.3.
For a reduction in the fire-resistance rating for occupancies in Group I-3, see Section 408.8.
Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2 where allowed.
Group R-3 and R-4 buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3. See Section 903.2.8 for occupancies where automatic sprinkler systems are permitted in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

Reason: The current tables do not include any requirement for Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies that are permitted to use a NFPA 13D systems. Saying just use the non-sprinklered requirements does not work because in some cases that is allowing a taller building then a building with an NFPA13R system.
This is NOT asking for ANY tradeoffs for an NFPA13D system. The provisions applied are always the MOST RESTRICTIVE of what is permitted for a non-sprinklered building or a building using an NFPA13R system.
There have been a series of lawsuits against jurisdictions across the United States regarding enforcement of requirements for group homes that exceed the requirements for single family homes. This is being interpreted as a violation of the Fair Housing Act. The CTC committee reviewed the requirements for group homes in the codes to see where there were differences and if these differences were justified due to the level of care provided for the residents. In some limited situations, where there was a question for Group R-4 group homes, the same issue existing for Group R-3 congregate residences. For consistency in the code, these need to be considered together rather than separately. Therefore, this proposal is for both Group R-4 and Group R-3 congregate residences (both with 16 or fewer residents per Sections 310.5 and 310.6.)
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the Care Facilities Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.
The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.
Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is a clarification of the code, therefore, there will not be an increase in cost.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

TABLE 1020.1
CORRIDOR FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING

OCCUPANCY	
OCCUPANT LOAD SERVED BY CORRIDOR	REQUIRED FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING (hours)	
		Without sprinkler system	With sprinkler systemc	
H-1, H-2, H-3	All	Not Permitted	1c	
H-4, H-5	Greater than 30	Not Permitted	1c	
A, B, E, F, M, S, U	Greater than 30	1	0	
R	Greater than 10	Not Permitted 1d	0.5c / 1d	
I-2a , I-4	All	Not Permitted	0	
I-1, I-3	All	Not Permitted	1b,c	
For requirements for occupancies in Group I-2, see Sections 407.2 and 407.3.
For a reduction in the fire-resistance rating for occupancies in Group I-3, see Section 408.8.
Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 where allowed.
Group R-3 and R-4 buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3. See Section 903.2.8 for occupancies where automatic sprinkler systems are permitted in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.

Committee Reason: The proposal is essentially a clarification within the broader reorganization of Chapter 5 height and area provisions adopted into the 2015 code. The change with the modification clarifies what the installation of a 13-d sprinkler system does or doesn't grant.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G133-15	AM

Back

Code Change No: G137-15

Original Proposal

Section: 505.2.1, 505.2.1.1 (New), 505.3.1

Proponent: Maureen Traxler, City of Seattle Dept of Planning & Development, representing Washington Association of Building Officials Technical Code Development Committee (maureen.traxler@seattle.gov)

Revise as follows:

Area limitation. The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines within a room shall be not greater than one-third of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located. The enclosed portion of a room shall not be included in a determination of the floor area of the room in which
the mezzanine is located. In determining the allowable mezzanine area, the area of the mezzanine shall not be included in the floor area of the room.

Where a room contains both a mezzanine and an equipment platform, the aggregate area of the two raised floor levels shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located.

Exceptions:

The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction for special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of the room.
The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction shall be not greater than one-half of the floor area of the room in buildings and structures equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 and an approved emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

505.2.1.1 Aggregate area of mezzanines and equipment platforms Where a room contains both a mezzanine and an equipment platform, the aggregate area of the two raised floor levels shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located. The area of the mezzanine shall not exceed the area determined according to Section 505.2.1

505.3.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of all equipment platforms within a room shall be not greater than two-thirds of the area of the room in which they are located. Where an equipment platform is located in the same room as a mezzanine, the area of the mezzanine shall be determined by Section 505.2.1 and the combined aggregate area of the equipment platforms and mezzanines shall be not greater than two- thirds of the room in which they are located. The area of the mezzanine shall not exceed the area determined according to Section 505.2.1.

Reason: The current language states that, when a mezzanine and an equipment platform are located in the same room, their total area can be 2/3 the area of the room. This language allows mezzanines to be larger than is intended by the code. For example, it allows a room to have a small equipment platform with an area 1% the size of the room and a large mezzanine with an area 65% the size of the room.
The statement that the mezzanine's area is determined by Section 505.2.1 doesn't quite solve the problem because the same language about aggregating the area appears there, too. We propose putting the provisions related to aggregate area of mezzanines and platforms into a new subsection 505.2.1.1 to allow us to refer to the base language about mezzanine area separately. No change to the Section 505.2.1 exceptions is proposed; they are merely moved so they stay with the base language about area of mezzanines.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal is a clarification of existing code provisions and will not increase the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action: Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal was found to be an appropriate clean up of text addressing the situation where both mezzanines and equipment platforms are in the same space. It closes a potential loophole between the two provisions.

Assembly Action None

Final Hearing Results

G137-15	AS

Code Change No: G138-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 505.2.1

Proponent: Marshall Klein, representing NMHC

Revise as follows:

Area limitation. The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines within a room shall be not greater than one-third of the floor area of	that room or space in which they are located. The enclosed portion of a room shall not be included in a determination of the floor area of the room in which the mezzanine is located. In determining the allowable mezzanine area, the area of the mezzanine shall not be included in the floor area of	the room.
Where a room contains both a mezzanine and an equipment platform, the aggregate area of the two raised floor levels shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located.

Exceptions:

The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction for special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 shall be not greater than two- thirds of the floor area of the room.
The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction shall be not greater than one-half of the floor area of the room in buildings and structures equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and an approved emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
The aggregate area of a mezzanine within a dwelling unit that is located in a building equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be greater than one-half of the floor area of the room, provided:
The mezzanine, other than enclosed closets and bathrooms, shall be open to the room in which such mezzanine is located.
The opening to the room shall be unobstructed except for walls not more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height, columns and posts, and
Exceptions to Section 505.2.3 shall not be permitted.

Reason: Currently, Section 505.2.3 permits mezzanines with an occupant load of 10 or less to be entirely enclosed, with an enclosed area up to 1/3 of the area of the room in which the mezzanine is located. This proposal provides an option to forfeit a fully enclosed mezzanine to gain an allowable area up to 1/2 of the room area. From a safety perspective, having the mezzanine open to the space below provides increased awareness for occupants in either area to a hazardous condition that develops within the space. The proposed slight increase in mezzanine area is reasonable based on the increase in safety associated with not allowing the entire mezzanine to be enclosed.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Because this proposal simply provides an optional exception, there is no impact on the cost of construction unless someone chooses to apply the exception. Where the exception is applied, the cost of construction will presumably decrease based on eliminating the wall that might have otherwise been installed to separate the mezzanine from the room.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action: Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

Area limitation. The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines within a room shall be not greater than one-third of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located. The enclosed portion of a room shall not be included in a determination of the floor area of the room in which the mezzanine is located. In determining the allowable mezzanine area, the area of
the mezzanine shall not be included in the floor area of the room.
Where a room contains both a mezzanine and an equipment platform, the aggregate area of the two raised floor levels shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located.

Exceptions:

The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction for special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of the room.
The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction shall be not greater than one-half of the floor area of the room in buildings and structures equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and an approved emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
The aggregate area of a mezzanine within a dwelling unit that is located in a building equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be greater than one-half of the floor area of the room, provided:
The mezzanine, other than Except for enclosed closets and bathrooms, the mezzanine shall be open to the room in which such mezzanine is located.
The opening to the room shall be unobstructed except for walls not more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height, columns and posts, and
Exceptions to Section 505.2.3 shall not be permitted.

Committee Reason: The change provides design flexibility for dwelling unit design without impacting safety. It will likely not result  in a significant increase in occupant load within any individual dwelling unit. The modification provided better clarity for the first sub- item to this new third exception. The visibility requirement of the mezzanine is maintained.

Assembly Action None

Final Hearing Results

G138-15	AM

Code Change No: G139-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 505.2.3

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

Openness. A mezzanine shall be open and unobstructed to the room in which
such mezzanine is located except for walls not more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height, columns and posts.

Exceptions:

Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to be open to the room in which
the mezzanines are located, provided that the occupant load of the aggregate area of the enclosed space is not greater than 10.
A mezzanine having two or more exits or access to exits is not required to be open to the room in which the mezzanine is located.
Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to be open to the room in which
the mezzanines are located, provided that the aggregate floor area of the enclosed space is not greater than 10 percent of the mezzanine area.
In industrial facilities, mezzanines used for control equipment are permitted to be glazed on all sides.
In occupancies other than Groups H and I, that are no more than two stories above grade plane and equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, a mezzanine having two or more means of egress exits or access to exits shall not be required to be open to the room in which the mezzanine is located.

Reason: The intent of this proposal is to revise Exception 5 to be consistent with the terminology in Exception 2.
In July/2014 the ICC Board decided to sunset the activities of the Code Technology Committee (CTC). This is being accomplished by re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). This proposal falls under the CTC Area of Study entitled Unenclosed Exit Stairs. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction This proposal is a clarification of provisions.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal is a clean up of text within the exceptions, specifically between #5 and #2. It also provides consistency with Chapter 10.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G139-15	AS

Code Change No: G141-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: Table 506.2

Proponent: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (vickie@intercodeinc.com)

Revise as follows:

TABLE 506.2
ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (At = NS, S1, S13R, or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEET a, b

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION	
SEE FOOTNOTE S	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	
		TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
		A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	

A-1	NS	UL	UL	15,500	8,500	14,000	8,500	15,000	11,500	5,500	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	34,000	56,000	34,000	60,000	46,000	22,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	25,500	42,000	25,500	45,000	34,500	16,500	

A-2	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	15,000	11,500	6,000	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	60,000	46,000	24,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	45,000	34,500	18,000	

A-3	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	15,000	11,500	6,000	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	60,000	46,000	24,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	45,000	34,500	18,000	

A-4	NS	UL	UL	15,500	9,500	14,000	9,500	15,000	11,500	6,000	
	S1	UL	UL	62,000	38,000	56,000	38,000	60,000	46,000	24,000	
	SM	UL	UL	46,500	28,500	42,000	28,500	45,000	34,500	18,000	

A-5	NS	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
UL	
	S1										
	SM										

B	NS	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	19,000	36,000	18,000	9,000	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	76,000	144,000	72,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	57,000	108,000	54,000	27,000	

E	NS	UL	UL	26,500	14,500	23,500	14,500	25,500	18,500	9.500	
	S1	UL	UL	106,000	58,000	94,000	58,000	102,000	74,000	38,000	
	SM	UL	UL	79,500	43,500	70,500	43,500	76,500	55,500	28,500	

F-1	NS	UL	UL	25,000	15,500	19,000	12,000	33,500	14,000	8.500	
	S1	UL	UL	100,000	62,000	76,000	48,000	134,000	56,000	34,000	
	SM	UL	UL	75,000	46,500	57,000	36,000	100,500	42,000	25,500	

F-2	NS	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	18,000	50,500	21,000	13,000	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	72,000	202,000	84,000	52,000	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	54,000	151,500	63,000	39,000	
H-1	NSc	21,000	16,500	11,000	7,000	9.500	7,000	10,500	7,500	NP	

	S1										

H-2	NSc	
21,000	
16,500	
11,000	
7,000	
9.500	
7,000	
10,500	
7,500	
3,000	
	S1										
	SM										

H-3	NSc	
UL	
60,000	
26,500	
14,000	
17,500	
13,000	
25,500	
10,000	
5,000	
	S1										
	SM										

H-4	NSc, d	UL	UL	37,500	17,500	28,500	17,500	36,000	18,000	6,500	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	70,000	114,000	70,000	144,000	72,000	26,000	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	52,500	85,500	52,500	108,000	54,000	19,500	

H-5	NSc, d	UL	UL	37,500	23,000	28,500	19,000	36,000	18,000	9,000	
	S1	UL	UL	150,000	92,000	114,000	76,000	144,000	72,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	UL	112,500	69,000	85,500	57,000	108000	54,000	27,000	

I-1	NSd, e	UL	55,000	19,000	10,000	16,500	10,000	18,000	10,500	4,500	
	S1	UL	220,000	76,000	40,000	66,000	40,000	72,000	42,000	18,000	
	SM	UL	165,000	57,000	30,000	49,500	30,000	54,000	31,500	13,500	

I-2	NSd, f	UL	UL	15,000	11,000	12,000	NP	12,000	9,500	NP	
	S1	UL	UL	60,000	44,000	48,000	NP	48,000	38,000	NP	
	SM	UL	UL	45,000	33,000	36,000	NP	36,000	28,500	NP	

I-3	NSd, e	UL	UL	15,000	10,000	10,500	7,500	12,000	7,500	5,000	
	S1	UL	UL	45,000	40,000	42,000	30,000	48,000	30,000	20,000	
	SM	UL	UL	45,000	30,000	31,500	22,500	36,000	22,500	15,000	

I-4	NSd, g	UL	60.500	26,500	13,000	23,500	13,000	25,500	18,500	9,000	
	S1	UL	121,000	106,000	52,000	94,000	52,000	102,000	74,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	181,500	79,500	39,000	70,500	39,000	76,500	55,500	27,000	

M	NS	UL	UL	21,500	12,500	18,500	12,500	20,500	14,000	9,000	
	S1	UL	UL	86,000	50,000	74,000	50,000	82,000	56,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	UL	64,500	37,500	55,500	37,500	61,500	42,000	27,000	

R-1	NSd, h	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	20,500	12,000	7,000	
	S13R										
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	82,000	48,000	28,000	
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	61,500	36,000	21,000	

R-2	NSd, h	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	20,500	12,000	7,000	
	S13R										
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	82,000	48,000	28,000	
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	61,500	36,000	21,000	

R-3	NSd, h	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	

UL	
	S13R										
	S1										
	SM										

R-4	NSd, h	UL	UL	24,000	16,000	24,000	16,000	20,500	12,000	7,000	
	S13R										
	S1	UL	UL	96,000	64,000	96,000	64,000	82,000	48,000	28,000	
	SM	UL	UL	72,000	48,000	72,000	48,000	61,500	36,000	21,000	
S-1	NS	UL	48,000	26,000	17,500	26,000	17,500	25,500	14,000	9,000	

	S1	UL	192,000	104,000	70,000	104,000	70,000	102,000	56,000	36,000	
	SM	UL	144,000	78,000	52,500	78,000	52,500	76,500	42,000	27,000	

S-2	NS	UL	79,000	39,000	26,000	39,000	26,000	38,500	21,000	13,500	
	S1	UL	316,000	156,000	104,000	156,000	104,00
0	154,000	84,000	54,000	
	SM	UL	237,000	117,000	78,000	117,000	78,000	115,500	63,000	40,500	

U	NSi	UL	35,500	19,000	8,500	14,000	8,500	18,000	9,000	5,500	
	S1	UL	142,000	76,000	34,000	56,000	34,000	72,000	36,000	22,000	
	SM	UL	106,500	57,000	25,500	42,000	25,500	54,000	27,000	16,500	
Note: UL = Unlimited; NP = Not permitted;
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
NS   =	Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; SM = Buildings two or more stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building area in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.
New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.2.6. For new Group I-1 occupancies, Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.
New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the International Fire Code.
New Group I-4 occupancies see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8. i.	The maximum allowable area for a single story non-sprinklered Group U greenhouse is permitted to be 9,000 sq. ft., or shall be
permitted to comply with Table C102.1 of Appendix C in this code.

Reason: The primary function of a greenhouse is to create a controlled environment for the propagation and cultivation of plants, and is intended to achieve the optimum environment for the protection of the plants from the outside environment. Many typical building requirements intended for human comfort, health, safety and welfare are not applicable or necessary for the construction or operation of greenhouses. The majority of commercial greenhouses are truly agricultural structures and classified as Group U. Nearly all greenhouses are built as Type VB (NS) construction. This purpose of this proposal increases the maximum allowable area of single story Group U greenhouses (NS) from 5,500 to 9,000. The allowable area for other structures in use Group U would remain unchanged.
Appendix C of the IBC permits 12,000 sq. ft. of allowable area for ALL Group U structures, including greenhouses.
The IBC currently permits a minimum allowable area of 9,000 sq. ft. for non-sprinklered, Type VB greenhouses classified as Group B, E, M or F-2 (which could have significant occupant load due to access by the public). Using a determination based on "equivalent risk" described in the preface pages of the IBC on page xi, "equivalent risk involves three interdependent considerations:
(1) the level of fire hazard associated with the specific occupancy of the facility; (2) the reduction of fire hazard by limiting the floor area(s) and the height of the building based on the fuel load (combustible contents and burnable building components) and (3) the level of overall fire resistance provided by the type of construction used for the building. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type." Therefore, it would be difficult to justify why a Group U greenhouse should be permitted less allowable area than an identical greenhouse permitted as Group B, E, F-2 or M. This proposal permits a Group U greenhouse to have the same allowable area as other use groups when there is no increased risk.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no cost impact related to this proposal because the code already permits the allowable area to be more than 5,500 sq. ft. in greenhouses.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee felt that the change would allow consistent sizes with out occupancies where greenhouses will be allowed or commonly occur. There is still relatively low levels of combustible materials in these facilities.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G141-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G146-15

Original Proposal

Section: 507.4

Proponent: Anthony Apfelbeck, City of Altamonte Springs Building/Fire Safety Division, representing City of Altamonte Springs (ACApfelbeck@altamonte.org)

Revise as follows:

Sprinklered, one-story buildings. The area of a Group A-4 building no more than one story above grade plane of other than Type V construction, or the area of a Group B, F, M or S building no more than one story above grade plane of any construction type, shall not be limited where the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.

Exceptions:

Buildings and structures of Type I or II construction for rack storage facilities that do not have access by the public shall not be limited in height, provided that such buildings conform to the requirements of Sections 507.4 and 903.3.1.1 and Chapter 32 of the International Fire Code.
The automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in areas occupied for indoor participant sports, such as tennis, skating, swimming and equestrian activities in occupancies in Group A-4, provided that both all of the following criteria are met:
Exit doors directly to the outside are provided for occupants of the participant sports areas.
The building is equipped with a fire alarm system with manual fire alarm boxes installed in accordance with Section 907.
An automatic sprinkler system is provided in storage rooms, press boxes, concession booths or other spaces ancillary to the sport activity space. 

Reason: While it is appropriate to eliminate fire sprinklers in the large open spaces of these facilities, protection of ancillary spaces by fire sprinklers should still be provided. Many of these spaces are concealed and don't contribute to the awareness of a developing fire condition. In addition, many ancillary spaces can have significant amounts of combustible contents. Concession spaces and equipment storage spaces are two examples that should still be protected with a fire sprinkler system.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This proposals will increase the cost of construction in order to protect ancillary spaces in these Group A-4 occupancies.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides clarification regarding spaces associated with the indoor sports facilities.  It assures that sprinkler systems are not waived in spaces of potentially high fuel loading such as storage and vendor spaces. These spaces are often located directly under the arena's seating. These spaces are frequently unoccupied during events and a fire in such spaces could go unnoticed for a potentially hazardous length of time.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G146-15	AS

Code Change No: G148-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section(s):	508.3.1, 508.3.1.1 (New), 508.3.1.2 (New)

Proponent: John Williams, CBO, Chair, representing Adhoc Health Care Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org)

508.3.1 Occupancy classification. Nonseparated occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. The requirements of this code shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy classification of that space. In addition, the most restrictive provisions of Chapter 9 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply to the total nonseparated occupancy
area. Where nonseparated occupancies occur in a high-rise building, the most restrictive requirements of Section 403 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply throughout the high-rise
building. Where one of the non-separated occupancies is Group I-2, Condition 2, the most restrictive requirements of Sections 407, 509, 712, and Chapter 10 shall apply.

Reason: This proposal modifies the requirements for non-separated mixed uses. In a hospital buildings, it is important to maintain some fire protection features throughout the building. Many of these restrictions directly support the defend-in-place concept that hospitals rely on. Specifically included are incidental use areas, protected vertical openings, and hospital-specific egress provisions. As written, the current code would allow an unprotected vertical opening to be located in the non-separated business portion of a hospital building. Arguably you could use the definition of a smoke compartment to challenge this idea, but that argument is very subtle and highlights an inherent conflict ion the code. Section 407 is specific to I-2 occupancies, not to building that contain I-2 occupancies. Yet section 407 contains provisions for corridor construction, smoke compartmentation and hospital specific egress provisions that should be maintained to support the defend in place concept.
By clearly stating in this section that there are some concepts in a hospital building that need to be treated differently, we can provide clear direction to designers and enforcers. This code change is needed to be consistent with the requirements of Medicaid and Medicare (CMS.)
The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/AHC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
While this is an increase in construction based on only IBC requirements, however, this is a requirement from federal CMS in hospitals; therefore, this is not an increase in actual construction cost.
.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: This proposal is unclear as to the extent of application in a mixed occupancy building. If the Group I-2 occupancy is only a minor portion of the building, it could impose significant requirements onto the balance of the buildling. An attempt to modify the language for clarity wasn't found to be clarifying. The text doesn't say whether the language 'shall apply' is meant to apply throughout the building or throughout a smaller area.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
John Williams, CBO, representing Adhoc Healthcare Committee (AHC@iccsafe.org) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

508.3.1 Occupancy classification. Nonseparated occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with Section
302.1. The requirements of this code shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy classification of that space. In addition, the most restrictive provisions of Chapter 9 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply to the total nonseparated occupancy area. Where nonseparated occupancies occur in a high-rise building, the most restrictive requirements of Section 403 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply throughout the high-rise building. Where one of the non- separated occupancies is Group I-2, Condition 2, the most restrictive requirements of Sections 407, 509, 712, and Chapter 10 shall apply.

High-rise buildings. Where nonseparated occupancies occur in a high-rise building, the most restrictive requirements of Section 403 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply throughout the high-rise building.

Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies Where one of the non-separated occupancies is Group I-2, Condition 2, the most restrictive requirements of Sections 407, 509 and 712 shall apply throughout the fire area containing the Group I-2 occupancy. The most restrictive requirements of Chapter 10 shall apply to the path of egress from the Group I-2 Condition 2 occupancy up to and including the exit discharge.

Commenter's Reason: The committee disapproved this change because the scope was unclear. There were concerns that more restrictive requirements for I-2 would apply throughout the building. This public comment addresses that problem. The revised language clearly states the more restrictive of 407, 509 and 712 apply to the fire area that contains the Group I-2 occupancies. That way incidental use areas, vertical openings, and corridors in other fire areas do not have to comply with the hospital specific requirements. Where and if those fire areas exist is up to the designer or other portions of this code. This gives designers and facilities some flexibility when designing large building where the hospital is only a small portion of the building. The more restrictive requirement of Chapter 10 apply from the Group I-2 occupancy all the way to (and including) the exit discharge. Mean of Egress concepts such as sizing corridor width appropriate for stretcher and bed traffic should apply from the I-2 to the exit discharge because that is where it is needed.
The ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) has just completed its 4th year. The AHC was established by the ICC Board to evaluate and assess contemporary code issues relating to hospitals and ambulatory healthcare facilities. This is a joint effort between ICC and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association, to eliminate duplication and conflicts in healthcare regulation. Information on the AHC, including: meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the AHC effort can be downloaded from the AHC website at: Adhoc Healthcare.
The acutal changes between the 2015 IBC and this proposal are limited to the underlined text below. The balance of the change is establishing 2 new subsections using existing text currently in Section 508.3.1.
Occupancy classification. Nonseparated occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. The requirements of this code shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy classification of that space. In addition, the most restrictive provisions of Chapter 9 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply to the total nonseparated occupancy area.
High-rise buildings.Where nonseparated occupancies occur in a high-rise building, the most restrictive requirements of Section 403 that apply to the nonseparated occupancies shall apply throughout the high-rise building.
Group I-2 Condition 2 occupancies. Where one of the non-separated occupancies is Group I-2, Condition 2, the most restrictive requirements of Sections 407, 509,and 712, and shall apply throughout the fire area containing the Group I-2 occupancy. The most restrictive requirements of Chapter 10 shall apply to the path of egress from the Group I-2 Condition 2 occupancy up to and including the exit discharge.

Final Hearing Results

G148-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G149-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 508.3.2, 508.4.3

Proponent: Anthony Apfelbeck, City of Altamonte Springs Building/Fire Safety Division, representing City of Altamonte Springs (ACApfelbeck@altamonte.org)

Revise as follows:

Allowable building area, height and height number of stories. The allowable building area, and height and number of stories of the building or portion thereof shall be based on the most restrictive allowances for the occupancy groups under consideration for the type of construction of the building in accordance with Section 503.1.

508.4.3 Allowable building height and number of stories. Each separated occupancy shall comply with the building height and story limitations based on the type of construction of the building in accordance with Section 503.1.

Exception: Special provisions of Section 510 shall permit occupancies at building heights other than provided in Section 503.1.

Exception: Special provisions of Section 510 shall permit occupancies at building heights and number of stories other than those provided in Section 503.1.

Reason: This proposal provides consistency between IBC Sections 503.1, 504.1, 504.2, 508.3.2 and 508.4.3 by including both building height and number of stories. The number of stories, as well as, the building height must be considered when determining the requirements for separated and non-separated occupancies.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction. Changes presented are editorial.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides consistency of language through the several sections and recognizes that the provisions of Chapter 5 now address building height and number of stories as separate criteria.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G149-15	AS

Code Change No: G151-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 508.4.1, TABLE 508.4

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

508.4.1 Occupancy classification. Separated occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. Each separated space shall comply with this code based on the occupancy classification of that portion of the building. The most restrictive provisions of Chapter 9 that apply to the separate occupancies shall apply to the total non-fire barrier separated occupancy areas. Occupancy separations that serve to define fire area limits established in Chapter 9 for requiring a fire protection system shall also comply with Section 901.7.

TABLE 508.4 (508.4)
REQUIRED SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCIES (HOURS)f

OCCUPANCY	A, E	I-1a, I-3, I-4	I-2	Ra	F-2, S-2b, U	Be, F-1, M, S-1	H-1	H-2	H-3, H-4	H-5	
	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	S	NS	
A, E	N	N	1	2	2	NP	1	2	N	1	1	2	NP	NP	3	4	2	3	2	NP	
I-1a , I-3, I-4	—	—	N	N	2	NP	1	NP	1	2	1	2	NP	NP	3	NP	2	NP	2	NP	
I-2	—	—	—	—	N	N	2	NP	2	NP	2	NP	NP	NP	3	NP	2	NP	2	NP	
Ra	—	—	—	—	—	—	N	N	1c	2c	1	2	NP	NP	3	NP	2	NP	2	NP	
F-2, S-2b , U	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	N	N	1	2	NP	NP	3	4	2	3	2	NP	
Be , F-1, M, S-1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	N	N	NP	NP	2	3	1	2	1	NP	
H-1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	N	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	NP	
H-2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	N	NP	1	NP	1	NP	
H-3, H-4	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1d	NP	1	NP	
H-5	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	N	NP	

S	=	Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
NS   =	Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. N	=	No separation requirement.
NP   =	Not permitted. a	See Section 420.
The required separation from areas used only for private or pleasure vehicles shall be reduced by 1 hour but not to less than 1 hour.
See Section 406.3.4.
Separation is not required between occupancies of the same classification.
See Section 422.2 for ambulatory care facilities.
Occupancy separations that serve to define fire area limits established in Chapter 9 for requiring fire protection systems shall also comply with Section 707.3.10 and Table 707.3.10 in accordance with Section 901.7.

Reason: This proposal is intended to clarify how to address fire protection installations for separated occupancies where the table does not require a fire separation. The concepts contained within Chapter 9 of the code are that area fire protection systems are installed throughout a fire area at a minimum for proper functioning. The additional language proposed for Section 508.4.1 is copied

from Section 508.3.1 and the added note F. provides direct linkage to the fire area provisions found in Chapter 9 and links to the requirements for fire barriers in Chapter 7. This clarification eliminates confusion that occasionally occurs when a designer or code official applies occupancy linked fire protection requirements in a "separated" occupancy that Table 508.4 does not specify a fire rated separation for.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal will not increase the cost of construction. By clarifying how to apply the fire protection requirements for an occupancy classification when dealing with separated occupancies the cost of compliance may be reduced by eliminating costly errors in application.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal is a good clarification regarding the interaction between occupancy separations and the establishment of separate fire areas. The committee found the wording a little awkward but felt it does convey the intent of the proposal.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G151-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G154-15

Original Proposal

Section: TABLE 509

Proponent: Jeffrey Betz, representing AT&T (jbetz@att.com)

Revise as follows:

TABLE 509 (509) INCIDENTAL USES
ROOM OR AREA	SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION	
Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400,000 Btu per hour input	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system	
Rooms with boilers where the largest piece of equipment is over 15
psi and 10 horsepower	
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system	
Refrigerant machinery room	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system	

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms, not classified as Group H	1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E,
I and R occupancies.	
Incinerator rooms	2 hours and provide automatic sprinkler system	
Paint shops, not classified as Group H, located in occupancies other than Group F	2 hours; or 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system	
In Group E occupancies, laboratories and vocational shops not classified as Group H	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system	
In Group I-2 occupancies, laboratories not classified as Group H	1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system	
In ambulatory care facilities, laboratories not classified as Group H	1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system	
Laundry rooms over 100 square feet	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system	
In Group I-2, laundry rooms over 100 square feet	1 hour	
Group I-3 cells and Group I-2 patient rooms equipped with padded surfaces	1 hour	
In Group I-2, physical plant maintenance shops	1 hour	
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, waste and
linen collection rooms with containers that have an aggregate volume
of 10 cubic feet or greater	

1 hour	
In other than ambulatory care facilities and Group I-2 occupancies, waste and linen collection rooms over 100 square feet	
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system	
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, storage rooms greater than 100 square feet	1 hour	
Stationary storage battery systems in accordance with Section 609 of the International Fire Code and having a
liquid electrolyte capacity of more than 50 gallons for	1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E,	
flooded lead-acid, nickel cadmium or	I and R occupancies.	

ROOM OR AREA	SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION	
VRLA, or more than 1,000 pounds for lithium-ion and lithium metal polymer used for facility standby power,		
emergency power or uninterruptable power supplies		
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.9 kPa, 1 British thermal unit (Btu) per hour = 0.293 watts, 1 horsepower = 746 watts, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m3.

Reason: This proposal links International Building Code Table 509 to the specific definitions, scope and section of the International Fire Code related to Stationary Storage Battery Systems. By using the definition and terms in the Internatioanl Fire Code section related to stationary storage battery systems this provides the ability to modify the various aspects of these systems in one code within one code cycle process. As new technology emerges and changes or additional types of batteries are added a change in the fire code requirement as to types of batteries and quantities will be automatically addressed for Table 509 of the International Building Code.

Bibliography: International Fire Code and Commentary, 2012, Page 6-32 through 6-35

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal aligns the application of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) regarding stationary storage battery systems. By referring the application criteria (scope) to the International Fire Code for the additional and deletion of battery types and quantities in one source document and under one code cycle.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides a needed link to the standards for these facilities found in the Fire Code.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G154-15	AS

Code Change No: G157-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section(s):	TABLE 509, 509.5 (New), 716.5508.3.1, 508.3.1.1 (New), 508.3.1.2 (New)

Proponent: Jay Wallace, The Boeing Company, representing The Boeing Company (jay.s.wallace@boeing.com)

TABLE 509 (509) INCIDENTAL USES
ROOM OR AREA	PROVIDE SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION	
Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400,000 Btu per hour input	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system a	
Rooms with boilers where the largest piece of equipment is over 15
psi and 10 horsepower	
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system a	
Refrigerant machinery room	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system a	

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms, not classified as Group H	1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E,
I and R occupancies	
Incinerator rooms	2 hours and provide automatic sprinkler system a	
Paint shops, not classified as Group H, located in occupancies other than Group F	2 hours; or 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system a	
In Group E occupancies, laboratories and vocational shops not classified as Group H	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system a	
In Group I-2 occupancies, laboratories not classified as Group H	1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system a	
In ambulatory care facilities, laboratories not classified as Group H	1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system a	
Laundry rooms over 100 square feet	1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system a	
In Group I-2, laundry rooms over 100 square feet	1 hour	
Group I-3 cells and Group I-2 patient rooms equipped with padded surfaces	1 hour	
In Group I-2, physical plant maintenance shops	1 hour	
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, waste and
linen collection rooms with containers that have an aggregate volume
of 10 cubic feet or greater	

1 hour	
In other than ambulatory care facilities and Group I- 2 occupancies, waste and linen collection rooms over 100 square feet	
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system a	
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, storage rooms greater than 100 square feet	
1 hour	
Stationary storage battery systems having a liquid electrolyte capacity of more than 50 gallons for flooded lead-acid, nickel cadmium or
VRLA, or more than 1,000 pounds for lithium-ion and lithium metal polymer used for facility standby	
1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E,
I and R occupancies.	

power, emergency power or uninterruptable power supplies		
Electrical dry-type transformer rated over 112 ½ kVA Exception: Where transformers with Class 155 or higher insulation systems are separated from
combustible material by a fire-resistant, heat- insulating barrier or by not less than 6 feet	

1 hour d	
horizontally and 12 feet vertically or completely
enclosed except for ventilating openings.		
Electrical dry-type transformer rated over 35,000 volts.	1 hour and automatic sprinkler system a b d	

Electrical oil-insulated transformer of any rating.	1-hour and automatic sprinkler system and oil containment serving all if multiple transformers; sized to contain the volume of oil in the largest unit a b c d	
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 , 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.9 kPa, 1 British thermal unit (Btu) per hour =
0.293 watts, 1 horsepower = 746 watts, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m 3 .

Automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Seciton 903.3.1.1.
An alternative automatic fire extinguishing system provided in lieu of an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.1.1.
See the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) for detailed construction requirements and exceptions regarding oil and other liquid insulated transformers.
See additional requirements in Section 509.5.

Add new text as follows:

Electrical room construction. Rooms containing transformers shall be in accordance with Section 1010.1.10 and with this section.

Where Table 509 only specifies separation without protection for rooms containing electrical transformers, the room shall be in accordance with the following:
Ventilation openings in surrounding building exterior walls or roof/ceiling construction shall be provided with an open area of not less than 3 square inches for each kVA of transformer capacity or not less than 1 square foot, whichever is greater. Ventilation openings shall be in accordance with Table 716.5 and protected with screens, grating or louvers. The ventilation openings shall be located in accordance with one of the following:
Provide 100 percent of ventilation openings near the ceiling of the electrical room; or
Provide half of the ventilation openings at the floor and the balance of the openings near the ceiling of the electrical room.
Electrical rooms shall be provided at the exterior of the building to allow natural ventilation in accordance with Item 1, or shall be provided with mechanical ventilation located and sized to effectively control the transformer full load losses and limit the temperature rise in accordance with the transformer rating.
Where the room is located at slab on grade condition, a concrete slab not less than 4 inches thick shall be provided.
Doors from the electrical room shall sw2ing in the direction of egress travel away from teh electrical room. Doors shall be self-closing to a latched and locked position and shall be provided with panic hardware.
Pipes and ducts, other than those that service the electrical room, shall not pass through an electrical room.
Where table 509 specifies both separation and protection for rooms containing electrical transformers, the room shall be in accordance with Item 1 and the following:
the room shall be separated and protected as specified in Table 509 or it shall be located in an enclosure constructed of concrete or similar materials providing not less than three hour fire-resistance-rated construction with opening protectives provided in accordance

with Table 716.5.

TABLE 716.5 (716.5)
OPENING FIRE PROTECTION ASSEMBLIES, RATINGS AND MARKINGS

TYPE OF ASSEMBLY	
REQUIRED WALL ASSEMBLY

RATING
(hours)	MINIMUM FIRE DOOR AND FIRE SHUTTER
ASSEMBLY

RATING
(hours)	

DOOR VISION PANEL SIZEb	FIRE- RATED GLAZING MARKING

DOOR VISION PANELd	MINIMUM SIDELIGHT/ TRANSOM ASSEMBLY
RATING (hours)	FIRE-RATED GLAZING MARKING SIDELIGHT/TRANSOM PANEL	
					
Fire protection	
Fire resistance	
Fire protection	
Fire resistance	

Fire walls and fire barriers having a required fire- resistance rating greater than 1 hour	4	3	See Note b	D-H-W- 240	Not Permitted	4	Not Permitted	W-240	
	3	3a	See Note b	D-H-W- 180	Not Permitted	3	Not Permitted	W-180	

2	
11 /2	
100 sq. in.	≤100 sq. in. = D-H- 90 >100
sq. in.= D- H-W-90	
Not Permitted	

2	
Not Permitted	

W-120	
	
11 /2	
11 /2	
100 sq. in.	≤100 sq. in. = D-H- 90 >100
sq. in.=D- H-W-90	
Not Permitted	
11 /2	
Not Permitted	

W-90	
Enclosures for shafts, interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps.	

2	
11 /2	
100 sq. in.	≤100 sq. in. = D-H- 90 > 100
sq. in.=D-
H-T-W-90	
Not Permitted	

2	
Not Permitted	

W-120	

Horizontal exits in fire wallse	

4	

3	
100 sq. in.	≤100 sq. in. = D-H- 180 > 100
sq. in.=D- H-W-240	
Not Permitted	

4	
Not Permitted	

W-240	

3	
3a	
100 sq. in.	≤100 sq. in. = D-H- 180 > 100
sq. in.=D- H-W-180	
Not Permitted	

3	
Not Permitted	

W-180	
Fire barriers having a required fire- resistance rating of 1 hour: Enclosures for shafts, exit access stairways, exit access ramps, interior exit stairways, and interio r exit
ramps; electrical room enclosure and exit passageway walls	

1	

1	

100 sq. in.c	

≤100 sq. in. = D-H- 60
>100 sq.
in.=
D-H-T-W- 60	

Not Permitted	

1	

Not Permitted	

W-60	
	Fire protection		
Other fire barriers	1	3 /4	Maximu	D-H	3 /4	D-H	

			m size tested				

Fire partitions: Corridor walls	1	1 /3b	Maximum size tested	
D-20	3 /4b	
D-H-OH-45	
	
0.5	1 /3b	Maximum size tested	
D-20	1 /3	
D-H-OH-20	

Other fire partitions	
1	3 /4	Maximum size tested	
D-H-45	3 /4	
D-H-45	
	
0.5	1 /3	Maximum size tested	
D-H-20	1 /3	
D-H-20	

Exterior walls	

3	
11 /2	
100 sq. in.b	≤100 sq. in.
= D-H-90
>100 sq. in
= D-H-W- 90	
Not Permitted	

3	
Not Permitted	

W-180	

2	
11 /2	
100 sq. in.b	≤100 sq. in.
= D-H-90
>100 sq. in.= D-H- W-90	
Not Permitted	

2	
Not Permitted	

W-120	
		Fire protection		
	
1	3 /4	Maximum size tested	
D-H-45	3 /4	
D-H-45	

Smoke barriers		Fire protection		
	
1	1 /3	Maximum size tested	
D-20	3 /4	
D-H-OH-45	
For SI: 1 square inch = 645.2 mm.
Two doors, each with a fire protection rating of 11/2 hours, installed on opposite sides of the same opening in a fire wall, shall be deemed equivalent in fire protection rating to one 3-hour fire door.
Fire-resistance-rated glazing tested to ASTM E 119 in accordance with Section 716.2 shall be permitted, in the maximum size tested.
Except where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler and the fire-rated glazing meets the criteria established in Section 716.5.5.
Under the column heading "Fire-rated glazing marking door vision panel," W refers to the fire-resistance rating of the glazing, not the frame.
e.	See Section 716.5.8.1.2.1.

Reason: Construction requirements for electrical room floors, walls, ceilings, openings, hardware etc are contained in the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). The terms used are not the same as those in the IBC. The differences can cause confusion for the design professional which can result in costly mistakes or unnecessary features. This proposal brings the building related requirements in the NEC into the IBC in terms consistent with the rest of the building element nomenclature to add clarity and consistency.
While editing Table 509 the term "provide" was deleted from its positions before "automatic sprinkler system" and inserted at the top of the table so that all enclosures and protection would be provided as intended by the table.
For the automatic sprinkler system requirement, a footnote was added for consistency with the rest of the IBC regarding automatic sprinkler systems.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no intended change in construction requirements. Hopefully this proposal will clarify some confusing language and reduce costs.
.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: The provisions for electrical rooms found in the National Electrical Code (NEC) can be an unwelcome surprise if not found early in the design process. Many feel that because there are construction aspects to the NEC requirements that they should be located in the IBC. The committee found that the proposal and the version contained in the proposed modification still contained too many unclear performance elements. The lack of specificity would result in uneven compliance.  Among the questions raised was coordination with the requirements for multiple exits from an electrical room.

Assembly Action:	As Modified

Online Vote Results:	Failed

Support: 20.63% (65) Oppose: 79.37% (250)

Assembly Action:	None
Online Floor Modification:

Electrical room construction. Rooms containing transformers shall be in accordance with Section 1010.1.10 and with this section.

Where Table 509 only specifies separation without protection for rooms containing electrical transformers, the room shall be in accordance with the following:
Ventilation openings in surrounding building exterior walls or roof/ceiling construction shall be provided with an open area of not less than 3 square inches for each kVA of transformer capacity or not less than 1 square foot, whichever is greater. Ventilation openings shall be in accordance with Table Sections 705.8 and 716.5 and protected with screens, grating or louvers. The ventilation openings shall be located in accordance with one of the following:
Provide 100 percent of ventilation openings near the ceiling of the electrical room; or
Provide half of the ventilation openings at the floor and the balance of the openings near the ceiling of the electrical room.
Electrical rooms shall be provided at the exterior of the building to allow natural ventilation in accordance with Item 1, or shall be provided with mechanical ventilation located and sized to effectively control the transformer full load losses and limit the temperature rise in accordance with the transformer rating.
Where the room is located at slab on grade condition, a concrete slab not less than 4 inches thick shall be provided.
Doors from the electrical room shall sw2ing in the direction of egress travel away from the electrical room. Doors shall be self-closing to a latched and locked position and shall be provided with panic hardware.
Pipes and ducts, other than those that service the electrical room, shall not pass through an electrical room.
Where table 509 specifies both separation and protection for rooms containing electrical transformers, the room shall be in accordance with Item 1 and the following:
the The room shall be separated and protected as specified in Table 509 or it shall be located in by an enclosure constructed of concrete or similar materials providing not less than three one hour fire-resistance- rated construction with and protected as specified in Table 509, or without protection the enclosure shall be increased to 3 hour fire-resistance-rated construction. In either case, opening protectives shall be provided in accordance with Table Sections 705.8 and 716.5.

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Jay Wallace, The Boeing Company, representing The Boeing
Company (jay.s.wallace@boeing.com) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

TABLE 509 (509) INCIDENTAL USES

ROOM OR AREA	PROVIDE SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION	
Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400,000 Btu per hour input	1 hour or automatic sprinkler system	
Rooms with boilers where the largest piece of equipment is over 15
psi and 10 horsepower	
1 hour or automatic sprinkler system	
Refrigerant machinery room	1 hour or automatic sprinkler system	

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms, not classified as Group H	1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E,
I and R occupancies	
Incinerator rooms	2 hours and automatic sprinkler system	
Paint shops, not classified as Group H, located in occupancies other than Group F	2 hours; or 1 hour and automatic sprinkler system	
In Group E occupancies, laboratories and vocational shops not classified as Group H	1 hour or automatic sprinkler system	
In Group I-2 occupancies, laboratories not classified as Group H	1 hour and automatic sprinkler system	
In ambulatory care facilities, laboratories not classified as Group H	1 hour and automatic sprinkler system	
Laundry rooms over 100 square feet	1 hour or automatic sprinkler system	
In Group I-2, laundry rooms over 100 square feet	1 hour	
Group I-3 cells and Group I-2 patient rooms equipped with padded surfaces	1 hour	
In Group I-2, physical plant maintenance shops	1 hour	
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, waste and
linen collection rooms with containers that have an aggregate volume
of 10 cubic feet or greater	

1 hour	
In other than ambulatory care facilities and Group I- 2 occupancies, waste and linen collection rooms over 100 square feet	
1 hour or automatic sprinkler system	
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, storage rooms greater than 100 square feet	
1 hour	
Stationary storage battery systems having a liquid electrolyte capacity of more than 50 gallons for flooded lead-acid, nickel cadmium or
VRLA, or more than 1,000 pounds for lithium-ion and lithium metal polymer used for facility standby power, emergency power or
uninterruptable power supplies	

1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E,
I and R occupancies.	
Electrical dry-type transformer rated over 112 ½ kVA	1 hour d	

Exception: Where transformers with Class 155 or higher insulation systems are separated from combustible material by a fire-resistant, heat- insulating barrier or by not less than 6 feet		
horizontally and 12 feet vertically or completely
enclosed except for ventilating openings. 		
Electrical dry-type transformer rated over 35,000 volts.	1 hour and automatic sprinkler system a b d	

 Electrical oil-insulated transformer of any rating.	1-hour and automatic sprinkler system and oil containment serving all if multiple transformers; sized to contain the volume
of oil in the largest unit a b c d	

Electrical installations and transformers	See the National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70 Section 110.26 through 110.34 and Section 450.8 through the end of
Article 450 for protection and/or separation requirements	

For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.9 kPa, 1 British thermal unit (Btu) per hour = 0.293 watts, 1 horsepower = 746 watts, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m3.

Automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
An alternative automatic fire extinguishing system provided in lieu of an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.1.1.
See the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) for detailed construction requirements and exceptions regarding oil and other liquid insulated transformers.
See additional requirements in Section 509.5.
Electrical room construction. Rooms containing transformers shall be in accordance with Section 1010.1.10 and with this section.

Where Table 509 only specifies separation without protection for rooms containing electrical transformers, the room shall be in accordance with the following:
Ventilation openings in surrounding building exterior walls or roof/ceiling construction shall be provided with an open area of not less than 3 square inches for each kVA of transformer capacity or not less than 1 square foot, whichever is greater. Ventilation openings shall be in accordance with Table 716.5 and protected wtih screens, grating or louvers. The ventilation openings shall be located in accordance with one of the following:
Provide 100 percent of ventilation openings near the ceiling of the electrical room; or
Provide half of the ventilation openings at the floor and the balance of the openings near the ceiling of the electrical room.
Electrical rooms shall be provided at the exterior of the building to allow natural ventilation in accordance with Item 1, or shall be provided with mechanical ventilation located and sized to effectively control the transformer full load losses and limit the temperature rise in accordance with the transformer rating.
Where the room is located at slab on grade condition, a concrete slab not less than 4 inches thick shall be provided.
Doors from the electrical room shall sw2ing in the direction of egress travel away from teh electrical room.
 Doors shall be self-closing to a latched and locked position and shall be provided with panic hardware.
Pipes and ducts, other than those that service the electrical room, shall not pass through an electrical room. 2.	Where table 509 specifies both separation and protection for rooms containing electrical transformers, the room shall be
in accordance with Item 1 and the following:
the room shall be separated and protected as specified in Table 509 or it shall be located
in an enclosure constructed of concrete or similar materials providing not less than three hour fire-resistance-rated construction with opening protectives provided in accordance with Table 716.5.

Commenter's Reason: The original proposal attempted to bring all the building type (location, walls, doors, floors, hardware, ventilation, etc) requirements from the NEC and place them in the IBC where they could easily be found by those responsible to design the building. The conditions and the requirements vary so much depending on the electrical equipment that it became too cumbersome to address all the combination of protectives.
This modification accomplishes the main two objectives of the original proposal: 1) make users aware that important requirements are in another publication and 2) make the requirements consistent with IBC language, format and references. Item one is accomplished by pointing to the sections in the NEC where space and building type requirements are located. Item two is accomplished by placing the pointer in Table 509 Incidental Uses where separations are required to be Fire Barriers and protectives are required per Section 716 including Table 716.5.
The original change proposed to Table 716.5 is still appropriate where it clarifies that electrical room enclosures are of the more stringent Fire Barrier type with increased opening protectives than is required for other fire barriers.
The added Section 509.5 Electrical room construction is dropped completely so that users will still have to access the NEC for such requirements.
The footnotes a-d to Table 509 are also all removed. Footnote "a" is already covered in Section 509. Footnote "b" is already covered in Section 903. Footnote "c" is covered by this modification to Table 509 and Footnote "d" is not needed since Section 509 is deleted in its entirety.

The committee stated that there was a lack of clarity regarding the number of exits required from an electical room. This proposal does not attempt to clarify that point however, it is clear that the NEC does NOT require two exits from an electrical room, it only requires due to certain conditions, two paths of egress from an electical Working Space, the area in front of the equipment concerned.  The room size and configuration may acheive two egress points from the Working Space while only having one exit from the room. Given some room sizes and configuration, two exit doors from the room may be the only way to acheive two egress points from the Working Space when required by the NEC.
As developers of the Building Code, we own these building type requirements; they rightfully belong in the IBC. This proposal bridges the gap between two unique publications that use some of the same terms with different meanings, to bring clarity and consistency to the building design professional.

Final Hearing Results

G157-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G160-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 510.2

Proponent: Marshall Klein, representing NMHC

Revise as follows:

Horizontal building separation allowance. A building shall be considered as separate and distinct buildings for the purpose of determining area limitations, continuity of fire walls, limitation of number of stories and type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:
The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours. The horizontal assembly shall not include vertical offsets except where the offset assemblies and their supporting structures have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours..
The building below the horizontal assembly is of Type IA construction.
Shaft, stairway, ramp and escalator enclosures through the horizontal assembly shall have not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5.

Exception: Where the enclosure walls below the horizontal assembly have not less than a 3-hour fire- resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5, the enclosure walls extending above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, provided:

The building above the horizontal assembly is not required to be of Type I construction;
The enclosure connects fewer than four stories; and
The enclosure opening protectives above the horizontal assembly have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.

The building or buildings above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have multiple Group A occupancy uses, each with an occupant load of less 300, or Group B, M, R or S occupancies.
The building below the horizontal assembly shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and shall be permitted to be any occupancy allowed by this code except Group H.
The maximum building height in feet (mm) shall not exceed the limits set forth in Section 504.3 for the building having the smaller allowable height as measured from the grade plane.

Reason: It is very common for projects built under the provisions of Section 510.2 to include vertical offsets to accommodate elevation changes for a particular site or different ceiling heights within a story. Currently, the code provides no guidance on how to deal with these vertical offset assemblies, and the designer and code official are left to handle them as alternative methods or modifications in accordance with Chapter 1. This change will provide appropriate regulations for ensuring that any vertical offset maintains a proper and continuous fire rating for both the horizontal and vertical portions of the separation, plus it ensures that the supporting structure for a vertical offset has an equivalent fire-resistance rating.
It is worth noting that the code deals with this issue in reverse for firewalls by permitting horizontal offsets in those vertical assemblies, as described in Section 706.1 of the 2012 IBC Commentary, which states "...offsetting two vertical sections of firewalls is permissible as long as the required fire resistance rating and structural stability are maintained."

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There should be no impact on the cost of construction because the intent of this proposal is simply to state how the current provisions should be applied. However, there will be a decrease in administrative costs for cases where an alternative method or modification would have previously been necessary as part of the compliance path.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action: Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides design flexibility to address unique sites. It is consistent with other provisions of the code where you support rated construction with structure of like rating. This is not about gaming the intent of this provision, but solves a real life design issue in hillside locations. The word 'horizontal' can be a hang up in the reasonable solutions to a steep  site.

Assembly Action None

Final Hearing Results

G160-15	AS

Code Change No: G161-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section(s):	510.2

Proponent: Homer Maiel, PE, representing ICC Tri-Chapter (Peninsula, East Bay, Monterey Bay) (hmaiel@gmail.com)

Revise as follows:

Horizontal building separation allowance. A building shall be considered as separate and distinct buildings for the purpose of determining area limitations, continuity of fire walls, limitation of number of stories and type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:

The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours. The horizontal assembly shall be of Type 1 construction.
The building below the horizontal assembly is of Type IA construction.
Shaft, stairway, ramp and escalator enclosures through the horizontal assembly shall have not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5.

Exception: Where the enclosure walls below the horizontal assembly have not less than a 3- hour fire-resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5, the enclosure walls extending above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have a 1-hour fire- resistance rating, provided:

The building above the horizontal assembly is not required to be of Type I construction;
The enclosure connects fewer than four stories; and
The enclosure opening protectives above the horizontal assembly have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.

The building or buildings above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have multiple Group A occupancy uses, each with an occupant load of less 300, or Group B, M, R or S occupancies.
The building below the horizontal assembly shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and shall be permitted to be any occupancy allowed by this code except Group H.
The maximum building height in feet (mm) shall not exceed the limits set forth in Section 504.3 for the building having the smaller allowable height as measured from the grade plane.

Reason: Existing language is unclear and can be interpreted to only require the greater type of construction below the 3 hour separation. The addition of the sentence to Item 1 makes it clear that the 3 hour horizontal assembly can not be constructed out of a type of construction that is different than the lower building.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change does not create a new requirement. It clarifies existing code language to prevent misinterpretation of the code
.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: The proposal's intent is to clarify the construction of the horizontal assembly. The committee suggested that a better clarification if the change remains in Item 1 is to simply say the horizontal assembly is made of non-combustible materials.
An alternative suggested was to move the construction requirement for the horizontal assembly to be located in Item 2 - which specifies the construction of the building below the horizontal assembly.

Assembly Action:	As Submitted

Online Vote Results:	Failed

Support: 43.39% (128) Oppose: 56.61% (167)

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 2:
Homer Maiel, PE, representing ICC Tri-Chapter (Peninsula, East Bay, Monterey Bay) (hmaiel@gmail.com) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

Horizontal building separation allowance. A building shall be considered as separate and distinct buildings for the purpose of determining area limitations, continuity of fire walls, limitation of number of stories and type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:
The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours. The horizontal assembly shall be of Type 1 construction.
The building below, including the horizontal assembly, is of Type IA construction.
Shaft, stairway, ramp and escalator enclosures through the horizontal assembly shall have not less than a 2-hour fire- resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5.
o	Exception: Where the enclosure walls below the horizontal assembly have not less than a 3-hour fire- resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5, the enclosure walls extending above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, provided:
The building above the horizontal assembly is not required to be of Type I construction;
The enclosure connects fewer than four stories; and
The enclosure opening protectives above the horizontal assembly have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
The building or buildings above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have multiple Group A occupancy uses, each with an occupant load of less 300, or Group B, M, R or S occupancies.
The building below the horizontal assembly shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and shall be permitted to be any occupancy allowed by this code except Group H.
The maximum building height in feet (mm) shall not exceed the limits set forth in Section 504.3 for the building having the smaller allowable height as measured from the grade plane.
Commenter's Reason: In Mephis, the committee suggested that instead of adding a sentence to condition 1, condition 2 to be modified accordingly. The modification here is reflecting the committee's concern.

Final Hearing Results

G161-15	AMPC2

Code Change No: G167-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: Table 601

Proponent: Jonathan Humble, American Iron and Steel Institute, representing American Iron and Steel Institute (jhumble@steel.org)

Revise as follows:

TABLE 601 (601)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (HOURS)

BUILDING ELEMENT	TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
	A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	
Primary structural framef (see Section 202)	3a, b	2a, b	1b	0	1b	0	HT	1b	0	
Bearing walls Exteriore, f Interior	3
3a	2
2a	1
1	0
0	2
1	2
0	2
1/HT	1
1	0
0	
Nonbearing walls and partitions Exterior	See Table 602	
Nonbearing walls and partitions Interiord	0	0	0	0	0	0	See Section 602.4.6	0	0	
Floor construction and associated secondary members (see Section 202)	2	2	1	0	1	0	HT	1	0	

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Roof supports: Fire-resistance ratings of primary structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1 hour where supporting a roof only.
Except in Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, fire protection of structural members in roof construction shall not be required, including protection of primary structural frame members, roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.
In all occupancies, heavy timber shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire-resistance rating is required.
Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections of this code.
Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 602).
Not less than the fire-resistance rating as referenced in Section 704.10.

Reason: This proposal has been submitted to address multiple interpretations of Table 601 Footnote "b." We have found that although the code membership has supported the exemption for fire protection of structural members 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below that framing, we have found that other entities are interpreting that the primary structural frame is not included in this exemption.
This proposal is designed to address that impact by modifying two aspects of Table 601. The first; to add the reference to footnote "b" to the primary structural frame row of fire resistance requirements, and two; to modify Footnote "b" by adding the phases "in roof construction" and "primary structural frame members" to the current list of items now shown.
Multiple attempts have been made in the past to restrict the original intent, however they have all been disapproved. The most recent was code change G139-12. The code development committee's response stated: "The proposal was disapproved as it is the intent of the footnote to allow all structural members to be unprotected. This proposal would only exempt the secondary members." The committee's disapproval of G139-12 was further upheld by the ICC membership during the Final Action Hearings in Portland, OR, October 2012. The public comment to G139-12 challenging the committee's decision was also disapproved by ICC membership.
Further, the reference of structural members applying to all structural members is further reinforced by the definition of "Primary Structural Frame" in Section 202, where it states in the charging sentence the following: "Primary structural frame. The primary structural frame shall include all of the following structural members…."
These responses to the proposals, along with reasons by the code development committees, and upheld by the ICC membership, are part of the ICC formal public record and constitute the formal position of the ICC on the issue.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal clarifies the intent of footnote "b" of the Table.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: There has been confusion and controversy through the years whether the primary frame was included in the exemption from fire protection as specified in footnote b to Table 601. Interpretations have varied. the committee approved this change because they concluded that it reflects the very original intent of the table and this footnote.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G167-15	AS

Code Change No: G168-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: Table 602

Proponent: Rick Lupton, representing City of Seattle, Dept of Planning & Development (rick.lupton@seattle.gov)

Revise as follows:

TABLE 602 (602)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR WALLS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCEa, d, g
FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE =
X (feet)	TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	OCCUPANCY GROUP He	OCCUPANCY GROUP F-1, M, S-
1f	OCCUPANCY GROUP A, B, E, F-2,
I, Ri, S-2, Uh	
X < 5b	All	3	2	1	
5 ≤ X < 10	IA
Others	3
2	2
1	1
1	

10 ≤ X < 30	IA, IB IIB, VB
Others	2
1
1	1
0
1	1c 0
1c	
X ≥ 30	All	0	0	0	
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire-resistance rating requirements of Table 601.
See Section 706.1.1 for party walls.
Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall and the story in which the wall is located.
For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see Section 415.6.
For special requirements for Group S aircraft hangars, see Section 412.4.1.
Where Table 705.8 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fire-resistance rating for the exterior walls is 0 hours.
For a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater.
For a Group R-3 building of Type II-B or Type V-B construction, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater.

Reason: This change is intended to clarify exterior wall protection for Group R-3 occupancies of Type II-B and Type V-B construction. Where Table 705.8 allows unlimited area of unprotected openings, a fire resistive rating at non-bearing exterior walls is not required per Table 602, footnote h. The appropriate application to R-3 occupancies can be easily missed because unlimited area of unprotected openings for Group R-3 occupancies, where the fire separation distance is 5 feet or greater, is permitted per footnote f of Table 705.8, rather than in the table itself. In addition, bearing walls of Type II-B and Type V-B construction are not required to be rated in accordance with Table 601. As a result, Table 602 is the controlling table for bearing and non-bearing walls in those types of construction. By adding this footnote to Table 602 it is clear that a fire-resistive rating is not required at exterior walls of Type II-B or Type V-B Group R-3 buildings where the fire separation is 5 feet or greater.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposed change is a clarification of existing requirements and so does not result in any cost increase.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The code allows what the proposed language in the new footnote would clearly allow, but it requires assembly of information from multiple parts of the code and isn't readily understood from the assembly of those various pieces. This new footnote makes it clear how those pieces can be brought together.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G168-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G175-15

Original Proposal

Section: 602.3, 602.4.1

Proponent: Homer Maiel, PE, representing ICC Tri-Chapter (Peninsula, East Bay, Monterey Bay) (hmaiel@gmail.com)

Revise as follows:

602.3 Type III. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by this code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or less.

602.4.1 Fire-retardant-treated wood in exterior walls. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies with a 2-hour rating or less.

Reason: The word framing creates some confusion. some have interpreted that framing does not include the sheathing utilized for lateral resistance to be framing. This has resulted in at least one interpretation that the walls cannot have FRT structural wood panel framing and yet another interpretation that the structural wood panel is permitted to be installed but unlike the studs does not need to be FRT.
ASCE considers sheathing to be part of the framing system. The ICC ES has AQ for a product equivalent to FRT plywood for use on Type III construction.
The addition of sheathing clarifies wood framing and sheathing is permitted to be within the assembly if FRT.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change does not create a new requirement. It clarifies existing code language to prevent misinterpretation of the code.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This solution was preferred over that proposed in G173 and G174-15. The revised text is very clear and avoids the potential confusion that FRTW could be installed in these walls for other purposes.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G175-15	AS

Code Change No: G178-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 602.4

Proponent: Sam Francis, American Wood Council, representing American Wood Council (sfrancis@awc.org)

Revise as follows:

Type IV. Type IV construction (Heavy Timber, HT) is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid or wood, laminated wood or structural composite lumber (SCL) without concealed spaces. The details of Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of this section and Section 2304.11. Exterior walls complying with Section 602.4.1 or 602.4.2 shall be permitted. Minimum solid dimensions for building elements are as follows:

Solid sawn building elements shall be not less than the nominal dimensions are required for structures built using Type IV construction (HT)in Sections 602.4.3 through 602.4.6.
For glued laminated Glued-laminated members and structural composite lumber (SCL) members, members shall be the equivalent net finished width and depths depth corresponding to the minimum nominal width and depths depth of solid sawn lumber are required as specified in Table 602.4.Cross-laminated
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) dimensions used in this section are actual dimensions and shall be not less than the dimensions required in Sections 602.4.6.2, 602.4.7, and 602.4.6.8.2, as applicable.

Reason: In the last code cycle, the Heavy Timber section saw 5 code change proposals.  The correlation of these changes was very difficult. We are submitting several changes which are intended to make this chapter more understandable. One of the issues to be clarified is the "minimum dimensions of the exterior walls. Another item is to make it absolutely clear that Structural Composite Lumber of the minimum dimensions for this chapter is, in fact, considered heavy timber. So this proposal will point the user to the proper sections to accomplish these tasks.
For a complete list of AWC code change proposals and additional information please go to http://www.awc.org/Code- Officials/2015-IBC-Code-Changes.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is an editorial rewrite and will have no cost impact other than to lower costs by making the minimum requirements more clear.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal clarity for the use and application the various engineered wood products for both the designers and local building officials.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G178-15	AS

Code Change No: G179-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 602.4, TABLE 602.4, 602.4.1, 602.4.2, 602.4.3, 602.4.4, 602.4.5, 602.4.9, 2304.11, 2304.11.1,
TABLE 2304.11.1.1, 2304.11.2, 2304.11.3, 602.4.8, 602.4.8.2, 602.4.8.1, 602.4.6, 602.4.6.2, 602.4.6.1,
2304.11.4, 2304.11.5, 602.4.7, 2304.11.4.2 (New)

Proponent: Dennis Richardson, representing American Wood Council

Revise as follows:

Type IV. Type IV construction (Heavy Timber, HT) is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid or laminated wood heavy timber (HT), without concealed spaces. The minimum dimensions for permitted materials including solid timber, glued-laminated timber, structural composite lumber (SCL), and cross liminated timber (CLT) and details of Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of this section and Section 2304.11. Exterior walls complying with Section 602.4.1 or 602.4.2 shall be permitted. Minimum solid sawn nominal dimensions are required for structures built using Type IV construction (HT). For glued laminated members Interior walls and structural composite lumber (SCL) members, the equivalent net finished width and depths corresponding to the minimum nominal width and depths partitions of solid sawn lumber are required as specified in Table 602.4.not less than one hour Crossfire-resistance rating-laminated
timber (CLT) dimensions used in this section are actual dimensions or heavy timber conforming with Section 2304.11.2.2 shall be permitted.

Fire-retardant-treated wood in exterior walls. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness with a 2-hour rating or less.

Cross-laminated timber in exterior walls. Cross-laminated timber complying with Section 2303.1.4 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness with a 2-hour rating or less, provided the exterior surface of the cross-laminated timber is protected by one the following:

Fire-retardant-treated wood sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 and not less than 15 /32 inch (12 mm) thick;
Gypsum board not less than 1/ 2 inch (12.7 mm) thick; or
A noncombustible material.

Delete without substitution:

Columns. Wood columns shall be sawn or glued laminated and shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm), nominal, in any dimension where supporting floor loads and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) nominal in width and not less than 8 inches (203 mm) nominal in depth where supporting roof and ceiling loads only. Columns shall be continuous or superimposed and connected in an approved manner.
Protection in accordance with Section 704.2 is not required.

Floor framing. Wood beams and girders shall be of sawn or glued-laminated timber and shall be not less than 6 inches (152 mm) nominal in width and not less than 10 inches (254 mm) nominal in depth. Framed sawn or glued-laminated timber arches, which spring from the floor line and support floor loads, shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) nominal in any dimension. Framed timber trusses supporting floor loads shall have members of not less than 8 inches (203 mm) nominal in any dimension.

Roof framing. Wood-frame or glued-laminated arches for roof construction, which spring from the floor line or from grade and do not support floor loads, shall have members not less than 6 inches (152 mm) nominal in width and have not less than 8 inches (203 mm) nominal in depth for the lower half of the height and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) nominal in depth for the upper half. Framed or glued- laminated arches for roof construction that spring from the top of walls or wall abutments, framed timber trusses and other roof framing, which do not support floor loads, shall have members not less than 4 inches (102 mm) nominal in width and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) nominal in depth. Spaced members shall be permitted to be composed of two or more pieces not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in thickness where blocked solidly throughout their intervening spaces or where spaces are tightly closed by a continuous wood cover plate of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) nominal in thickness secured to the underside of the members. Splice plates shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in thickness. Where protected by approved automatic sprinklers under the roof deck, framing members shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in width.

Revise as follows:

602.4.9602.4.3 Exterior structural members. Where a horizontal separation of 20 feet (6096 mm) or more is provided, wood columns and arches conforming to heavy timber sizes complying with 2304.11 shall be permitted to be used externally.

2304.11 Heavy timber construction. Where a structure or, portion thereof is, or individual structural elements are required to be of Type IV construction heavy timber by other provisions of this code, the building elements therein shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 2304.11.1
through 2304.11.52304.11.4. Minimum dimensions of heavy timber shall comply as applicable in Table 2304.11 based on roofs or floors supported and the configuration of each structural element, or as applicable in Sections 2304.11.2 through 2304.11.4.

2304.11.1 Columns Details of heavy timber structural members. Columns Heavy timber structural members shall be continuous or superimposed throughout all stories by means of reinforced concrete or metal caps detailed and constructed in accordance with brackets, or shall be connected by properly designed steel or iron caps, with pintles and base plates, or by timber splice plates affixed to the columns by metal connectors housed within the contact faces, or by their approved methods Sections 2304.11.1.1 through 2304.11.1.3.

2304.11.1.1 Column connections Columns. Minimum dimensions of columns shall be in accordance with Table 2304.11. Columns shall be continuous or superimposed throughout all stories and connected in an approved manner. Girders and beams at column connections shall be closely fitted around columns and adjoining ends shall be cross tied to each other, or intertied by caps or ties, to transfer horizontal loads across joints. Wood bolsters shall not be placed on tops of columns unless the columns support roof loads only. Where traditional heavy timber detailing is used, connections shall be permitted to be by means of reinforced concrete or metal caps with brackets, or shall be connected by properly designed steel or iron caps, with pintles and base plates, or by timber splice plates affixed to the columns by metal connectors housed within the contact faces, or by other approved methods.

2304.11.2 2304.11.1.2 Floor framing. Minimum dimensions of floor framing shall be in accordance with Table 2304.11. Approved wall plate boxes or hangers shall be provided where wood beams, girders or trusses rest on masonry or concrete walls. Where intermediate beams are used to support a floor, they shall rest on top of girders, or shall be supported by ledgers or blocks securely fastened to the sides of the girders, or they shall be supported by an approved metal hanger into which the ends of the beams shall be closely fitted. Where traditional heavy timber detailing is used, these connections shall be permitted to be supported by ledgers or blocks securely fastened to the sides of the girders.

2304.11.3 2304.11.1.3 Roof framing. Minimum dimensions of roof framing shall be in accordance with Table 2304.11. Every roof girder and at least every alternate roof beam shall be anchored to its supporting member; and every monitor and every sawtooth construction shall be anchored to the main

roof construction. Such anchors shall consist of steel or iron bolts of sufficient strength to resist vertical uplift of the roof forces as required in Chapter 16.

2304.11.2 Partitions and walls. Partitions and walls shall comply with Section 602.4.8.1 2304.11.2.1 or 602.4.8.2 2304.11.2.2.

2304.11.2.1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls shall permitted to be Cross-laminated timber meeting the requirements of one of the following: Section 2303.1.4.

Noncombustible materials.
Not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness and constructed of one of the following:
Fire-retardant-treated wood in accordance with Section 2303.2 and complying with Section 602.4.1.
Cross-laminated timber complying with Section 602.4.2.

602.4.8.1 2304.11.2.2 Interior walls and partitions. No change to text.

602.4.6 2304.11.3 Floors. Floors shall be without concealed spaces. Wood floors shall be constructed in accordance with Section 602.4.6.1 2304.11.3.1 or 602.4.6.2 2304.11.3.2.

602.4.6.2 2304.11.3.1 Cross-laminated timber floors. Cross-laminated timber shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in actual thickness. Cross-laminated timber shall be continuous from support to support and mechanically fastened to one another. Cross-laminated timber shall be permitted to be connected to walls without a shrinkage gap providing swelling or shrinking is considered in the design. Corbelling of masonry walls under the floor shall be permitted to be used.

2304.11.3.2 Sawn or glued-laminated plank floors. Sawn or glued-laminated plank floors shall be one of the following:

Sawn or glued-laminated planks, splined or tongue-and-groove, of not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in thickness covered with 1-inch (25 mm) nominal dimension tongue-and-groove flooring, laid crosswise or diagonally, 15 /32-inch (12 mm) wood structural panel or 1 /2-inch (12.7 mm) particleboard.
Planks not less than 4 inches (102 mm) nominal in width set on edge close together and well spiked and covered with 1-inch (25 mm) nominal dimension flooring or 15 /32-inch (12 mm) wood structural panel or 1 /2-inch (12.7 mm) particleboard.

The lumber shall be laid so that no continuous line of joints will occur except at points of support.
Floors shall not extend closer than 1 /2 inch (12.7 mm) to walls. Such 1 /2-inch (12.7 mm) space shall be covered by a molding fastened to the wall and so arranged that it will not obstruct the swelling or shrinkage movements of the floor. Corbelling of masonry walls under the floor shall be permitted to be used in place of molding.

Delete without substitution:

2304.11.4 Floor decks. Floor decks and covering shall not extend closer than 1/ 2 inch (12.7 mm) to walls. Such 1/ 2-inch (12.7 mm) spaces shall be covered by a molding fastened to the wall either above or below the floor and arranged such that the molding will not obstruct the expansion or contraction movements of the floor. Corbeling of masonry walls under floors is permitted in place of such molding.

Revise as follows:

2304.11.5 2304.11.4 Roof decks. Roofs shall be without concealed spaces and roof decks shall be constructed in accordance with Section 2304.11.4.1 or 2304.11.4.2. Other types of decking shall be permitted to be used where equivalent fire resistance and structural properties are being provided. Where

supported by a wall, roof decks shall be anchored to walls to resist uplift forces determined in accordance with Chapter 16. Such anchors shall consist of steel bolts, lags, screws or iron bolts
approved hardware of sufficient strength to resist vertical uplift of the roof prescribed forces.

2304.11.4.1 Roofs Cross-laminated timber roofs. Roofs shall be without concealed spaces and wood roof decks shall be sawn or glued laminated, splined or tongue-and-groove plank, not less than 2 inches (51 mm) nominal in thickness; 11 /8-inch-thick (32 mm) wood structural panel (exterior glue); planks not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in width, set on edge close together and laid as required for floors; or of cross-laminated timber. Other types of decking shall be permitted to be used if providing equivalent fire resistance and structural properties.
Cross-laminated timber roofs shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in actual thickness and shall be continuous from support to support and mechanically fastened to one another.

Add new text as follows:

2304.11.4.2 Sawn, wood structural panel, or glued-laminated plank roofs. Sawn, wood structural panel, or glued-laminated plank roofs shall be one of the following:

Sawn or glued laminated, splined or tongue-and-groove plank, not less than 2 inches (51 mm) nominal in thickness; 
11 /8-inch-thick (32 mm) wood structural panel (exterior glue); 
Planks not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in width, set on edge close together and laid as required for floors.

Revise as follows:

TABLE 602.4 2304.11 (2304.11)
WOOD MEMBER SIZE EQUIVALENCIES MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF HEAVY TIMBER STRUCTURAL MEMBERS
		MINIMUM NOMINAL SOLID SAWN SIZE	MINIMUM GLUED- LAMINATED NET SIZE	MINIMUM STRUCTURAL COMPOSITE LUMBER
NET SIZE	
Supporting	Heavy Timber Structural Element	Width, inch	Depth, inch	Width, inch	Depth, inch	Width, inch	Depth, inch	

Floor loads only or combined floor and roof loads	Columns;
Framed sawn or glued-laminated timber arches which spring from the floor line; Framed timber trusses	
8	
8	
6 3 / 4	
8 1 / 4	
7	
7 1 / 2	
	Wood beams and girders	6	10	5	10 1 / 2	5 1 / 4	9 1 / 2	

Roof loads only	Columns (roof and ceiling loads); Lower half of: Wood-frame or glued- laminated arches which spring from the floor line or from grade	
6	
8	
5	
8 1 / 4	
5 1/ 4	
7 1 / 2	
	Upper half of: Wood-frame or glued- laminated arches which spring from the floor line or from grade	
6	
6	
5	
6	
5 1 / 4	
5 1 / 2	
	Framed timber trusses and other roof framing; a
Framed or glued-laminated arches that spring from the top of walls or wall abutments	
4 b	

6	
3 b	
6 7 / 8	
3 1 / 2 b	
5 1 / 2	
For SI:1 inch = 25.4 mm.
Spaced members shall be permitted to be composed of two or more pieces not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in thickness where blocked solidly throughout their intervening spaces or where spaces are tightly closed by a continuous wood

cover plate of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) nominal in thickness secured to the underside of the members. Splice lates shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in thickness.
Where protected by approved automatic sprinklers under the roof deck, framing members shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) nominal in width.

Reason: The cross laminated timber product standard was approved in the 2015 IBC in addition to a code change allowing this material to be utilized for the construction of 2 hour exterior walls in type IV-HT construction.
Cross Laminated Timber has been manufactured for over 30 years in Europe and has just recently caught hold on the American Continent where some major structures are under way in Canada and smaller buildings are being built in the US. In Europe buildings of 8 to 10 stories and above are regularly constructed. The following link gives examples of CLT buildings throughout the world. http://www.rethinkwood.com/tall-wood-survey
Because of the high level of carbon sequestration and low embodied energy, it is anticipated there will be a renewed interest in the use of type IV heavy timber as a type of construction. One bit of feedback American Wood Council received after CLT was approved in the 2015 IBC was the observation from one building department that the heavy timber and type IV provisions are confusing, sometimes redundant and spread across different sections of the building code.
This code change is an attempt to address that concern without making any change in the substance of the requirements.
Currently type IV construction and heavy timber requirements are found in Sections 602.4 and 2304.11 of the IBC. The clean up and reorganization of those sections is part one of this effort. Part two is the identification and update of many references to type IV construction and heavy timber found throughout the code.
In order to pare down Section 602.4, only the provisions specific to type IV construction remain along with a list of the types of materials found in heavy timber and the reference to the requirements for those materials in Section 2304.11. Requirements specific to type IV remain in 602.4.
Section 2304.11 can best be described as "all things heavy timber". Heavy timber structural elements have long been referenced throughout other parts of the code where a specific heavy timber structural element is detailed for use incorporated in another type of construction. The most general example of this is table 601 footnote c allowing the use of heavy timber roof construction in place of one hour fire resistance rated roof construction in types IB, II, IIIA, and VA construction. The design professional may detail heavy timber as the roof structure and assembly for these different types of construction and they are treated as building elements but the type of construction for the overall structure does not change from the type IB, II, IIIA, or VA. Heavy timber requirements removed from Section 602.4 are combined and organized with the existing content of Section 2304. Table 602.4 is moved and renamed Table 2304.11. It is updated with information placing a description of the elements that are applicable for a given size timber element based on whether the element supports roof loads and floor loads or only roof loads. Specific footnotes about the size and protection of spaced truss elements and the reduction of roof beam width for sprinklers are noted where applicable.
The non-size related detailing provisions for framing members and connections (columns, floor framing and roof framing) are coalesced into Sections 2304.11.1.1, 2304.11.1.2 and 2304.11.1.3. All of the information in table 2304.11 and the following sections are organized so that the most pertinent information for most designs is found first.
Finally, some of the detailing provisions for traditional heavy timber are identified as such and relocated later in each section while some other information that is archaic and better replaced by reference is removed. A good example of this is the removal of the requirement for the anchorage of "every monitor and every sawtooth construction" to the main roof construction in Section 2304.11.3. New Section 2304.11.1.3 requires roof girders and alternate roof beams to be anchored to their supports as required by Chapter 16.
Finally, Sections 2304.11.2 through 2304.11.4 contain pertinent thickness and detailing requirements for walls, roof and floor deck construction.
The following table gives a more detailed description of where specific requirements are moved.
Since this change is intended not to create any new requirements or delete pertinent content, there are other code changes which contain specific code changes to this information. It is intended this code change will serve as a template for the relocation of those other specific changes through the correlation process should other specific changes be approved.
Part 2 of this effort follows with the change to specific code references to: Section 602.4, type IV construction, heavy timber and Section 2304.11.
The following link provides access to additional information regarding this or other code changes proposed by American Wood Council. http://www.awc.org/Code-Officials/2015-IBC-Code-Changes/

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Since this is a reorganization of existing requirements, not the creation of new requirements, this code change will not increase the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides necessary consolidation and eliminates duplicative text between Chapters 6 and 23. The revised table is sorely needed to make help the users of the code. Moving the table to Chapter 23 is totally appropriate. The was comfort that with a detailed comparison this is a good clean up with no technical changes. As with any major revision, there remained concerns that all pieces have been maintained and there might be some unintended consequences. The new  organization provides better logic for the requirements.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G179-15	AS

Code Change No: G180-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 406.7.2, TABLE 601, 603.1, 705.2.3, 803.3, 803.13.3, 1406.3, [BG] 1510.2.5, [BG] 1510.3,
3105.3, D102.2.8, 803.1

Proponent: Dennis Richardson, American Wood Council, representing American Wood Council (drichardson@awc.org)

Revise as follows:

Canopies. Canopies under which fuels are dispensed shall have a clear, unobstructed height of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm) to the lowest projecting element in the vehicle drive-through area. Canopies and their supports over pumps shall be of noncombustible materials, fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Chapter 23, wood of Type IV sizes heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 or of construction providing 1-hour fire resistance. Combustible materials used in or on a canopy shall comply with one of the following:

Shielded from the pumps by a noncombustible element of the canopy, or wood of Type IV sizes heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11;
Plastics covered by aluminum facing having a thickness of not less than 0.010 inch (0.30 mm) or corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness of not less than 0.016 inch (0.41 mm). The plastic shall have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less when tested in the form intended for use in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 and a self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) or greater when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1929; or
Panels constructed of light-transmitting plastic materials shall be permitted to be installed
in canopies erected over motor vehicle fuel-dispensing station fuel dispensers, provided the panels are located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from any building on the same lot and face yards or streets not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in width on the other sides. The aggregate areas of plastics shall be not greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2). The maximum area of any individual panel shall be not greater than 100 square feet (9.3 m2).

TABLE 601 (601)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (HOURS)

BUILDING ELEMENT	TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III	TYPE IV	TYPE V	
	A	B	A	B	A	B	HT	A	B	
Primary structural framef (see Section 202)	3a	2a	1	0	1	0	HT	1	0	
Bearing walls Exteriore, f Interior	3
3a	2
2a	1
1	0
0	2
1	2
0	2
1/HT	1
1	0
0	
Nonbearing walls and partitions Exterior	See Table 602	
Nonbearing walls and partitions Interiord	0	0	0	0	0	0	See
Section 602.4.62304.11.2	0	0	
Floor construction and associated secondary members (see Section 202)	2	2	1	0	1	0	HT	1	0	
Roof construction and associated secondary members (see Section 202)	11 /2b	b,c
1	b,c
1	c
0	b,c
1	
0	
HT	b,c
1	
0	

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Roof supports: Fire-resistance ratings of primary structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1 hour where supporting a roof only.
Except in Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, fire protection of structural members shall not be required, including protection of roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.
In all occupancies, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire- resistance rating is required.
Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections of this code.
Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 602).
Not less than the fire-resistance rating as referenced in Section 704.10.

Allowable materials. Combustible materials shall be permitted in buildings of Type I or II construction in the following applications and in accordance with Sections 603.1.1 through 603.1.3:

Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted in:

Nonbearing partitions where the required fire-resistance rating is 2 hours or less.
Nonbearing exterior walls where fire-resistance-rated construction is not required.
Roof construction, including girders, trusses, framing and decking.

Exception: In buildings of Type IA construction exceeding two stories above grade plane, fire-retardant-treated wood is not permitted in roof construction where the vertical distance from the upper floor to the roof is less than 20 feet (6096 mm).

Thermal and acoustical insulation, other than foam plastics, having a flame spread index of not more than 25.

Exceptions:

Insulation placed between two layers of noncombustible materials without an intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 100.
Insulation installed between a finished floor and solid decking without intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 200.

Foam plastics in accordance with Chapter 26.
Roof coverings that have an A, B or C classification.
Interior floor finish and floor covering materials installed in accordance with Section 804.
Millwork such as doors, door frames, window sashes and frames.
Interior wall and ceiling finishes installed in accordance with Sections 801 and 803.
Trim installed in accordance with Section 806.
Where not installed greater than 15 feet (4572 mm) above grade, show windows, nailing or furring strips and wooden bulkheads below show windows, including their frames, aprons and show cases.
Finish flooring installed in accordance with Section 805.
Partitions dividing portions of stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and that do not establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall be permitted to be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood, 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or of wood panels or similar light construction up to 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.
Stages and platforms constructed in accordance with Sections 410.3 and 410.4, respectively.
Combustible exterior wallcoverings, balconies and similar projections and bay or oriel windows in accordance with Chapter 14.
Blocking such as for handrails, millwork, cabinets and window and door frames.
Light-transmitting plastics as permitted by Chapter 26.
Mastics and caulking materials applied to provide flexible seals between components of exterior wall construction.

Exterior plastic veneer installed in accordance with Section 2605.2.
Nailing or furring strips as permitted by Section 803.11.
Heavy timber as permitted by Note c to Table 601 and Sections 602.4.7602.4.3 and 1406.3.
Aggregates, component materials and admixtures as permitted by Section 703.2.2.
Sprayed fire-resistant materials and intumescent and mastic fire-resistant coatings, determined on the basis of fire resistance tests in accordance with Section 703.2 and installed in accordance with Sections 1705.14 and 1705.15, respectively.
Materials used to protect penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with Section 714.
Materials used to protect joints in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with Section 715.
Materials allowed in the concealed spaces of buildings of Types I and II construction in accordance with Section 718.5.
Materials exposed within plenums complying with Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code.
Wall construction of freezers and coolers of less than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2), in size, lined on both sides with noncombustible materials and the building is protected throughout with
an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

705.2.3 Combustible projections. Combustible projections extending to within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the line used to determine the fire separation distance shall be of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, Type IV heavy timber construction complying with Section 2304.11, fire-retardant-treated wood or as required by Section 1406.3.

Exception: Type VB construction shall be allowed for combustible projections in Group R-3 and U occupancies with a fire separation distance greater than or equal to 5 feet (1524 mm).

803.3 Heavy timber exemption. Exposed portions of building elements complying with the requirements for buildings of Type IV heavy timber construction in Section 602.4 or Section 2304.11 shall not be subject to interior finish requirements.

Heavy timber construction. Wall and ceiling finishes of all classes as permitted in this chapter that are installed directly against the wood decking or planking of Type IV heavy timber construction in Sections 602.4.2 or 2304.11 or to wood furring strips applied directly to the wood decking or planking shall be fireblocked as specified in Section 803.13.1.1.

1406.3 Balconies and similar projections. Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fire-retardant-treated wood shall be fire-resistance rated where required by Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of Type IV heavy timber construction in accordance with
Section 602.4 2304.11. The aggregate length of the projections shall not exceed 50 percent of the building's perimeter on each floor.

Exceptions:

On buildings of Type I and II construction, three stories or less above grade plane, fire- retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits.
Untreated wood is permitted for pickets and rails or similar guardrail devices that are limited to 42 inches (1067 mm) in height.
Balconies and similar projections on buildings of Type III, IV and V construction shall be permitted to be of Type V construction, and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where sprinkler protection is extended to these areas.
Where sprinkler protection is extended to the balcony areas, the aggregate length of the balcony on each floor shall not be limited.

[BG] 1510.2.5 Type of construction. Penthouses shall be constructed with walls, floors and roofs as required for the type of construction of the building on which such penthouses are built.

Exceptions:

On buildings of Type I construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
On buildings of Type I construction two stories or less in height above grade plane or of Type II construction, the exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation
distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 602 and be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood. The exterior walls and roofs of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating. Interior framing and walls shall be permitted to be constructed of fire- retardant-treated wood.
On buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, the exterior walls of penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire-resistance rating as required by Table 602. On buildings of Type III, IV or VA construction, the exterior walls of penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be of Type IV heavy timber construction complying with Sections 602.4 and 2304.11 or noncombustible construction or fire-retardant-treated wood and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.

[BG] 1510.3 Tanks. Tanks having a capacity of more than 500 gallons (1893 L) located on the roof deck of a building shall be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or Type IV heavy
timber construction complying with Section 2304.11 provided that, where such supports are located in the building above the lowest story, the support shall be fire-resistance rated as required for Type IA construction.

3105.3 Design and construction. Awnings and canopies shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind or other lateral loads and live loads as required by Chapter 16 with due allowance for shape, open construction and similar features that relieve the pressures or loads. Structural members shall be protected to prevent deterioration. Awnings shall have frames of noncombustible material, fire-retardant- treated wood, wood of Type IV size heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11, or 1-hour construction with combustible or noncombustible covers and shall be either fixed, retractable, folding or collapsible
.
D102.2.8 Permanent canopies. Permanent canopies are permitted to extend over adjacent open spaces provided all of the following are met:

The canopy and its supports shall be of noncombustible material, fire-retardant-treated wood, Type IV construction heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 or of 1-hour fire- resistance-rated construction.

Exception: Any textile covering for the canopy shall be flame resistant as determined by tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 701 after both accelerated water leaching and accelerated weathering.

Any canopy covering, other than textiles, shall have a flame spread index not greater than 25 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 in the form intended for use.
The canopy shall have at least one long side open.
The maximum horizontal width of the canopy shall not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm).

The fire resistance of exterior walls shall not be reduced.

2015 International Fire Code

Revise as follows:

General. The provisions of this section shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finishes and interior wall and ceiling trim in existing buildings based on location and occupancy classification. Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be classified in accordance with Section 803 of the International Building Code. Such materials shall be grouped in accordance with ASTM E 84, as indicated in Section 803.1.1, or in accordance with NFPA 286, as indicated in Section 803.1.2.

Exceptions:

Materials having a thickness less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to the surface of walls and ceilings.
Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements of buildings of Type IV construction heavy timber in accordance with the International Building Code shall not be subject to interior finish requirements.

Reason: This code change is part 2 of a proposal to reorganize Type IV Section 602.4 and heavy timber section 2304.11. This part of the change includes references found throughout the IBC to either: Type IV construction, Section 602.4, Section 2304.11, or "heavy timber". This change should follow directly after the 602.4 change and the reason for the change is included in that reason statement.
The references found in this part are generally changed to Type IV or Section 602.4 when the section of the code is referring to the type of construction associated with a structure. The references are generally changed to "heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11" when the code is referring to a heavy timber element found in a building of another type of construction. This change is a reorganization of two sections and is not intended to change the intent of the code.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Since this is a reorganization of existing requirements, not the creation of new requirements, this code change will not increase the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This is a companion piece to G179-15. G179 reorganizes the heavy timber provisions. This change provides corrections to the various new section numbers resulting from G179-15.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G180-15	AS

Code Change No: G184-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 602.4.8.2

Proponent: Sam Francis, American Wood Council, representing American Wood Council (sfrancis@awc.org)

Revise as follows:

Exterior walls. Exterior walls shall be of one of the following:

Noncombustible materials.
Not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness and constructed of one of the following:
2.1 2. Fire-retardant-treated wood in accordance with Section 2303.2 and complying with Section 602.4.1.
3. Cross-laminated timber not less than 4 inches in thickness and complying with Section 602.4.2.
Reason: When these provisions were introduced into the code in the last cycle, an overall wall thickness was deemed to be desirable. However, FRTW has performed suitably without an overall wall thickness requirement and the thickness of CLT will be driven by the required fire resistance rating and structural requirements. Citing an overall wall thickness is confusing and unnecessary, but the actual minimum thickness of the CLT is perhaps useful. Therefore we are proposing to delete the overall thickness of the wall in favor of citing an associated minimum CLT thickness, which requires a re-organization of the section.
When the original code section was developed, an overall thickness of 6 inches was proposed. It included the interior gypsum board (5/8 in.), the exterior gypsum board (5/8 in.) the exterior insulation (?? in.), the exterior cladding (3/4 in.). Thus, the overall thickness included at least 2 inches of non-CLT materials not even counting the insulation which would be required by the energy code.
Subtracting the 2 inches of non-CLT material leaves 4 inches of CLT as a minimum dimension. This is completely consistent with the 6 inch requirement from the 2015 IBC. Of course, for a structure of more than 2 stories or which requires a 2 hr. FRR wall, the net dimension will still need to be greater than 6 inches, overall, to achieve the fire resistance rating and the structural capacity. Generally, the structural requirements will exceed this minimum number. But having such a number is necessary to insure the integrity of such a building.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
this change is not a substantive change and thus will not impact costs.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal clarifies the intent of the requirements for minimum thickness of CLT. It will coordinate with G179-15 the committee approved earlier. There was concern that the change results in there being no minimum thickness required for FRTW used in these locations.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G184-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G185-15

Original Proposal

Section: 603.1

Proponent: Homer Maiel, PE, representing ICC Tri-Chapter (Peninsula, East Bay, Monterey Bay) (hmaiel@gmail.com)

Revise as follows:

Allowable materials.
Combustible materials shall be permitted in buildings of Type I or II construction in the following applications and in accordance with Sections 603.1.1 through 603.1.3:

Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted in:

Nonbearing partitions where the required fire-resistance rating is 2 hours or less.
Nonbearing exterior walls where fire-resistance-rated construction is not required.
Roof construction, including girders, trusses, framing and decking.

Exception: In buildings of Type IA construction exceeding two stories abovegrade plane , fire-retardant-treated wood is not permitted in roof construction where the vertical distance from the upper floor to the roof is less than 20 feet (6096 mm).

Balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits on buildings three stories or less above grade plane.

Thermal and acoustical insulation, other than foam plastics, having a flame spread index of not more than 25.

Exceptions:

Insulation placed between two layers of noncombustible materials without an intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 100.
Insulation installed between a finished floor and solid decking without intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 200.

Foam plastics in accordance with Chapter 26.
Roof coverings that have an A, B or C classification.
Interior floor finish and floor covering materials installed in accordance with Section 804.
Millwork such as doors, door frames, window sashes and frames.
Interior wall and ceiling finishes installed in accordance with Sections 801 and 803.
Trim installed in accordance with Section 806.
Where not installed greater than 15 feet (4572 mm) above grade, show windows, nailing or furring strips and wooden bulkheads below show windows, including their frames, aprons and show cases.
Finish flooring installed in accordance with Section 805.
Partitions dividing portions of stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and that do not establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall be permitted to be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood , 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or of wood panels or similar light construction up to 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.

Stages and platforms constructed in accordance with Sections 410.3 and 410.4, respectively.
Combustible exterior wall coverings, balconies and similar projections and bay or oriel windows in accordance with Chapter 14.
Blocking such as for handrails, millwork, cabinets and window and door frames.
Light-transmitting plastics as permitted by Chapter 26.
Mastics and caulking materials applied to provide flexible seals between components of exterior wall construction.
Exterior plastic veneer installed in accordance with Section 2605.2.
Nailing or furring strips as permitted by Section 803.11.
Heavy timber as permitted by Note c to Table 601 and Sections 602.4.7 and 1406.3.
Aggregates, component materials and admixtures as permitted by Section 703.2.2.
Sprayed fire-resistant materials and intumescent and mastic fire-resistant coatings, determined on the basis of fire resistance tests in accordance with Section 703.2 and installed in accordance with Sections 1705.14 and 1705.15, respectively.
Materials used to protect penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with Section 714.
Materials used to protect joints in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with Section 715.
Materials allowed in the concealed spaces of buildings of Types I and II construction in accordance with Section 718.5.
Materials exposed within plenums complying with Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code .
Wall construction of freezers and coolers of less than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2), in size, lined on both sides with noncombustible materials and the building is protected throughout with
an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Reason: The addition of Sub Section 1.4 is warranted to include the requirements of Section 1406.3, Exception 1 in here.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal is a clarification of existing requirements. It only creates cross references from one section to another. There is no technical changes to the code.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee found this to be a good additional reference to another allowance for combustible materials allowed for Types I and II construction. It is consistent in intent with many of the other items listed in this section.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G185-15	AS

Code Change No: G186-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 1203.2, 1203.2 (New)

Proponent: Mike Fischer, Kellen Company, representing the Ventilation Task Force of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association and the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry of the American Chemistry Council (mfischer@kellencompany.com)

Add new text as follows:

1203.2 Roof ventilation Roof assemblies shall be ventilated in accordance with this section or shall meet the unvented attic or unvented enclosed rafter assembly requirements of Section 1203.3.

Revise as follows:

1203.2 1203.2.1 Ventilation required Ventilated attics and rafter spaces. Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof framing members shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilation openings protected against the entrance of rain and snow. Blocking and bridging shall be arranged so as not to interfere with the movement of air. An airspace of not less than 1 inch (25 mm) shall be provided between the insulation and the roof sheathing. The net free ventilating area shall be not less than 1 /150 of the area of the space ventilated. Ventilators shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions.

Exception: The net free cross-ventilation area shall be permitted to be reduced to 1 /300 provided both of the following conditions are met:

In Climate Zones 6, 7 and 8, a Class I or II vapor retarder is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling.
At least 40 percent and not more than 50 percent of the required venting area is provided by ventilators located in the upper portion of the attic or rafter space. Upper ventilators shall be located not more than 3 feet (914 mm) below the ridge or highest point of the space, measured vertically, with the balance of the ventilation provided by eave or cornice vents. Where the location of wall or roof framing members conflicts with the installation of upper ventilators, installation more than 3 feet (914 mm) below the ridge or highest point of the space shall be permitted.

Reason: The current code requirements for ventilated and unvented attics create an exception without clear direction. For example, 1203.2 includes mandatory ventilation provisions, but the unvented attic requirements aren't established as an exception to the ventilation requirements. The intent of introducing the unvented attic requirements into the code was to provide comprehensive provisions that replace the ventilation requirements as an optional path to address moisture concerns when the building thermal envelope is located at the roof assembly. This proposal clears up the ambiguity by indicating that there are two options available; ventilate the attic according to the code, or meet the detailed requirements for unvented attic spaces.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal is a clarification of existing requirements; it includes no technical changes to the code.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

1203.2 Roof ventilation. Roof assemblies shall be ventilated in accordance with this section or shall meet the unvented attic or unvented enclosed rafter assembly requirements of comply with Section 1203.3.

Committee Reason: The change provides design flexibility for dwelling unit design without impacting safety. It will likely not result  in a significant increase in occupant load within any individual dwelling unit. The modification provided better clarity for the first sub- item to this new third exception. The visibility requirement of the mezzanine is maintained.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G186-15	AM

Code Change No: G189-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 1203.4, 1203.4.1, 1203.4.1.1 (New), 1203.4.1.2 (New), 1203.4.2, 1203.4.2 (New), 1203.4.3
(New), 1203.4.3.1 (New), 1203.4.3.2 (New), 1203.4.4 (New)

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

1203.4 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building except spaces occupied by basements or cellars shall be provided with ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls in accordance with Sections 1203.4.1, 1203.4.2 and
1203.4.3. Such openings shall be placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the under-floor space.

1203.4.1 Openings for under-floor ventilation Ventilation openings. Ventilation openings through foundation walls shall be provided. The openings shall be placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the under-floor space. The net area of ventilation openings shall be not less than 1 square foot for each 150 square feet (0.67 m2 for each 100 m2) of crawl-space area in accordance with Section 1203.4.1.1 or 1203.4.1.2. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials, provided that the least dimension of the covering shall be not greater than 1 /4 inch (6.4 mm):

Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
Cast-iron grilles or gratings.
Extruded load-bearing vents.
Hardware cloth of 0.035-inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension not greater than 1 /8 inch (3.2 mm). 7. Operable louvres, where ventilation is provided in accordance with Section 1203.4.1.2.

For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the openings for under-floor ventilation shall be designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 24.

Add new text as follows:

1203.4.1.1 Ventilation area for crawl spaces with open earth floors. The net area of ventilation openings for crawl spaces with uncovered earth floors shall be not less than 1 square foot for each 150 square feet (0.67 m2 for each 100 m2) of crawl-space area.

1203.4.1.2 Ventilation area for crawl spaces with covered floors. The net area of ventilation openings for crawl spaces with the ground surface covered with a Class I vapor retarder shall be not less than 1 square foot for each 1500 square feet (0.67 m2 for each 1000 m2) of crawl-space area.

1203.4.2 Ventilation in cold climates. In extremely cold climates, where ventilation opening will cause a detrimental loss of energy, ventilation openings to the interior of the structure shall be provided.

1203.4.3 Mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation shall be provided to crawl spaces where the ground surface is covered with a Class I vapor retarder. Ventilation shall be in accordance with Section 1203.4.3.1 or 1203.4.3.2.

1203.4.3.1 Continuous mechanical ventilation. Continuously operated mechanical ventilation shall be provided at a rate of 1.0 cubic foot per minute (cfm) for each 50 square feet (1.02 L/s for each 10 m2) of crawl space ground surface area and the ground surface is covered with a Class I vapor retarder.

1203.4.3.2 Conditioned space. The crawl space shall be conditioned in accordance with
the International Mechanical Code and the walls of the crawl space shall be insulated in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code.

Delete without substitution:

1203.4.2 Exceptions. The following are exceptions to Sections 1203.4 and 1203.4.1:

Where warranted by climatic conditions, ventilation openings to the outdoors are not required if ventilation openings to the interior are provided.
The total area of ventilation openings is permitted to be reduced to 1 /1,500 of the under-floor area where the ground surface is covered with a Class I vapor retarder material and the required openings are placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the space. The installation of operable louvers shall not be prohibited.
Ventilation openings are not required where continuously operated mechanical ventilation is provided at a rate of 1.0 cubic foot per minute (cfm) for each 50 square feet (1.02 L/s for each 10 m2) of crawlspace floor area and the ground surface is covered with a Class I vapor retarder.
Ventilation openings are not required where the ground surface is covered with a Class I vapor retarder, the perimeter walls are insulated and the space is conditioned in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code.
For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the openings for under-floor ventilation shall be deemed as meeting the flood opening requirements of ASCE 24 provided that the ventilation openings are designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 24.

Reason: The purpose of this code change proposal is to organize Section 1203.4 into a logical format, and to change the code requirements related to the option presented by Section 1203.4.2, Exception 4. That exception allows for ventilation of a crawl space with a Class I vapor retarder covering the ground when the space is insulated and conditioned in accordance with the IECC. This is a problem because the IECC does not provide any requirements for conditioning. Since space conditioning requirements for conditioning are given in the IMC, the reference was modified to this section.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Will not increase the cost of construction. The revisions are for clarification of the technical requirements and making reference to the appropriate I-code.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

1203.4 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building except spaces occupied by basements or cellars shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Sections 1203.4.1,
1203.4.2 and or 1203.4.3.

1203.4.1 Ventilation openings. Ventilation openings through foundation walls shall be provided. The openings shall be placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the under-floor space. The net area of ventilation openings shall be in accordance with Section 1203.4.1.1 or 1203.4.1.2. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials, provided that the least dimension of the covering shall be not greater than 1 /4 inch (6.4 mm):

Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
Cast-iron grilles or gratings.
Extruded load-bearing vents.
Hardware cloth of 0.035-inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension not greater than 1 /8 inch (3.2 mm).
Operable louvres, where ventilation is provided in accordance with Section 1203.4.1.2.

For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the openings for under-floor ventilation shall be designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 24.

1203.4.4 Flood hazard areas. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the openings for under-floor ventilation shall be deemed as meeting the flood opening requirements of ASCE 24 provided that the ventilation openings are designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 24.

Committee Reason: The proposal cleans up the section and provides appropriate references to the IMC and IECC. Modifications place text in the appropriate location and assure that the 3 design options are clearly options and not all required simultaneously. The committee expressed concerns regarding two terms which used and undefined. As they are not common terms,  the proponents were encouraged to provide public comment to address. The terms in question are 'extremely cold' and 'detrimental  loss of energy'.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G189-15	AM

Back

Code Change No: G190-15

Original Proposal

Section: 1207.2, 1207.3

Proponent: David Tyree, representing American Wood Council (dtyree@awc.org); Bradford Douglas (bdouglas@awc.org)

Revise as follows:

1207.2 Air-borne sound. Walls, partitions and floor/ceiling assemblies separating dwelling
units and sleeping units from each other or from public or service areas shall have a sound transmission class of not less than 50, or not less than 45 if field tested, for air-borne noise when tested in accordance with ASTM E 90. Alternatively, the sound transmission class of walls, partitions and floor/ceiling assemblies shall be established by engineering analysis based on a comparison of walls, partitions and floor/ceiling assemblies having sound transmission class ratings as determined by the test procedures set forth in ASTM E 90. Penetrations or openings in construction assemblies for piping; electrical devices; recessed cabinets; bathtubs; soffits; or heating, ventilating or exhaust ducts shall be sealed, lined, insulated or otherwise treated to maintain the required ratings. This requirement shall not apply to entrance doors; however, such doors shall be tight fitting to the frame and sill.

1207.3 Structure-borne sound. Floor/ceiling assemblies between dwelling units and sleeping units or between a dwelling unit or sleeping unit and a public or service area within the structure shall have an impact insulation class rating of not less than 50, or not less than 45 if field tested, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 492. Alternatively, the impact insulation class of floor/ceiling assemblies shall be established by engineering analysis based on a comparison of floor/ceiling assemblies having impact insulation class ratings as determined by the test procedures set forth in ASTM E492.

Reason: The proposed performance alternative recognizes the current practice of STC and IIC interpolation based on data from testing performed in accordance with ASTM E90 and ASTM E492. It mirrors provisions of Section 703.3, which provides a similar engineering analysis alternative for establishing fire resistance ratings, thereby providing flexibility for designers. For a complete list of AWC code change proposals and additional information please go to http://www.awc.org/Code-Officials/2015-IBC-Code- Changes.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal does not increase the cost of construction as it only recognizes the use of ASTM E90 and E492.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal allows for a performance based option for complying with the requirements of this section..

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G190-15	AS

Code Change No: G192-15 Part I

Original Proposal

Section: 2701.1

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

THIS IS A 3 PART CODE CHANGE PROPOSAL. PART I WAS HEARD BY THE IBC GENERAL COMMMITTEE, PART II WAS HEARD BY THE IMC COMMITTEE AND PART III WAS HEARD BY THE IPC/IPSDC COMMITTEE.
Revise as follows:

2701.1 Scope. This The provisions of this chapter governs and NFPA 70 shall govern the design, construction, erection, and installation of the electrical components, appliances, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Electrical The International Fire Code,
the International Property Maintenance Code, and NFPA 70 shall govern the use and maintenance of electrical components, appliances, equipment and systems shall be designed. The International Existing Building Code and constructed in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 70 shall govern the alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, and addition of electrical components, appliances, equipment and systems.

Reason: This proposal provides consistency in the scoping for the Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical chapters. Direction is provided as to what codes govern use and maintenance, and alteration, repair, relocation, replacement and additions for existing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal will not increase the cost of construction. This proposal may decrease the cost of construction, by providing clarity to the scoping of these chapters.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This helps clarify the code and provides the designer with valuable information. The pointer to the IEBC is valid and useful. This action is consistent with previous actions by the IPC and IMC committees.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G192-15 Part I	AS

Code Change No: G192-15 Part II

Original Proposal

Section: [M] 2801.1

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

THIS IS A 3 PART CODE CHANGE PROPOSAL. PART I WAS HEARD BY THE IBC GENERAL COMMMITTEE, PART II WAS HEARD BY THE IMC COMMITTEE AND PART III WAS HEARD BY THE IPC/IPSDC COMMITTEE.
Revise as follows:

The provisions of this chapter and the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code shall govern the design, construction, erection and installation of mechanical appliances, equipment and systems shall be constructed, installed used in buildings and maintained in accordance with
the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code structures covered by this code. Masonry chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues shall comply with the International Mechanical Code and Chapter 21 of this code. The International Fire Code, the International Property Maintenance Code,
the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code shall govern the use and maintenance of mechanical components, appliances, equipment and systems. The International Existing Building Code, the International Mechanical Code and the International Fuel Gas Code shall govern the alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, and addition of mechanical components, appliances, equipment and systems.

Reason: This proposal provides consistency in the scoping for the Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical chapters. Direction is provided as to what codes govern use and maintenance, and alteration, repair, relocation, replacement and additions for existing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal will not increase the cost of construction. This proposal may decrease the cost of construction, by providing clarity to the scoping of these chapters.

. Public Hearing Results

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: Approval was based on the proponent's published reason statements. It provides a clear connection between the IBC and the IMC and IFGC.

Assembly Action	None

Report of Committee Action Hearings

G192-15 Part II	AS

Code Change No: G192-15 Part III

Original Proposal

Section: [M] 2801.1

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

THIS IS A 3 PART CODE CHANGE PROPOSAL. PART I WAS HEARD BY THE IBC GENERAL COMMMITTEE, PART II WAS HEARD BY THE IMC COMMITTEE AND PART III WAS HEARD BY THE IPC/IPSDC COMMITTEE.
Revise as follows:

2901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter and the International Plumbing Code shall govern
the design construction, erection, and installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing components, appliances, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Toilet and bathing rooms shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1210. Plumbing systems and equipment shall be constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the International Plumbing Code. Private sewage disposal systems shall conform to the International Private Sewage Disposal Code. The International Fire Code, the International Property Maintenance Code, and the International Plumbing Code shall govern the use and maintenance of plumbing components, appliances, equipment and systems. The International Existing Building Code and
the International Plumbing Code shall govern the alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, and addition of plumbing components, appliances, equipment and systems.

Reason: This proposal provides consistency in the scoping for the Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical chapters. Direction is provided as to what codes govern use and maintenance, and alteration, repair, relocation, replacement and additions for existing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal will not increase the cost of construction. This proposal may decrease the cost of construction, by providing clarity to the scoping of these chapters.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee agreed with the proponent's reason statement.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G192-15 Part III	AS

Code Change No: G194-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3001.2, TABLE 3001.2 (New)

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

3001.2 Referenced standards. Except as otherwise provided for in this code, the design, construction, installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of elevators and conveying systems and their components shall conform to ASME A17.1/CSA B44, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7, ASME A90.1, ASME B20.1, ANSI
MH29.1, ALI ALCTV the applicable standard specified in Table 3001.2 and ASCE 24 for construction in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3.

Add new text as follows:

TABLE 3001.2
ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
TYPE	STANDARD	
Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts	ASME A17.1/CSA B44	
Belt manlifts	ASME A90.1	
Conveyors and related equipment	ASME B20.1	
Automotive lifts	ALI ALCTV	
Platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, wheelchair lifts	ASME A18.1	

Reason: The referenced installation and design standards do not apply to all elevators and conveying systems and their components. Each standard is for a certain type. Although covered for accessibility in Section 1109.8, the installation standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts, ASME A18.1, is not included in Chapter 30. ASME A18.1 is a separate standard, not covered by Section 1.1.2 of ASME A17.1.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction due to the code already requires conformance with these standards. There may be a decrease in the cost of construction, due to providing clarity on what is required for specific equipment.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

TABLE 3001.2
ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
TYPE	STANDARD	
Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts	ASME A17.1/CSA B44, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7	
Belt manlifts	ASME A90.1	
Conveyors and related equipment	ASME B20.1	
Automotive lifts	ALI ALCTV	
Platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, wheelchair lifts	ASME A18.1	
Industrial scissors lifts	ANSI MH29.1	

Committee Reason: This proposal adds standards that clarify the application of the code section. The modification further clarifies the application of the proposal.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G194-15	AM

Back

Code Change No: G195-15

Original Proposal

Section: 3001.2 (New)

Proponent: Andrew Cid, representing Private Citizen for The Initiative for Emergency Elevator Communication Systems for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Impaired (andycid99@gmail.com)

Add new text as follows:

impaired An emergency two-way communication system shall be provided that:

3001.2 Emergency elevator communication systems for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech

Is a visual text-based and a video-based live interactive system, 
Is fully accessible by the deaf and hard of hearing and speech impaired, and
Is located between the elevator car and the local emergency authorities at a point outside of the hoistway.

Reason: The referenced installation and design standards do not apply to all elevators and conveying systems and their components. Each standard is for a certain type. Although covered for accessibility in Section 1109.8, the installation standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts, ASME A18.1, is not included in Chapter 30. ASME A18.1 is a separate standard, not covered by Section 1.1.2 of ASME A17.1.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction due to the code already requires conformance with these standards. There may be a decrease in the cost of construction, due to providing clarity on what is required for specific equipment.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

3001.2 Emergency elevator communication systems for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired. An emergency two- way communication system shall be provided that:

Is a visual and text-based and a video-based 24/7 live interactive system,.
Is fully accessible by the: deaf and hard of hearing and, the speech impaired, the visually impaired, and shall include voice-only options for hearing individuals.
Is located between the elevator car The ability to communicate with emergency personnel utilizing existing video conferencing technology, and the local emergency authorities at a point outside of the hoistway chat / text software, or other approved technology.

Committee Reason: This belongs in the code. A significant part of the population is serviced by this proposal where currently there is a void. Current technologies should be able to be readily adapted to meet the requirements of this proposal. The committee approved modifications are intended to provide more flexibility and options for manufacturers and for compliance.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G195-15	AM

Code Change No: G197-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3004.2.2

Proponent: David Collins, representing The American Institute of Architects (dcollins@preview- group.com)

Revise as follows:

3004.2.2 Escalators. Where provided in below-grade transportation stations, escalators shall have a clear width of not less than 32 inches (815
mm).

Exception: The clear width is not required in existing facilities undergoing alterations.

Reason: The exception to this section addresses requirements for escalators undergoing alterations. Such provisions should be in the IEBC, not the IBC.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The exception to this section addresses requirements for escalators undergoing alterations. Such provisions should be in the IEBC, not the IBC.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This is appropriate for the IEBC and a corresponding/companion code change has been previously approved by the IEBC Committee.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G197-15	AS

Code Change No: G201-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 1020.1.1(IFC [BE] 1020.1.1) (New), 3006.2.1 (New)

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, ICC Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)
Add new text as follows:

1020.1.1(IFC [BE] 1020.1.1) Hoistway opening protection Elevator hoistway openings shall be protected in accordance with Section 3006.2.1.

3006.2.1 Rated corridors. Where corridors are required to be fire resistance rated in accordance with Section 1020.1, elevator hoistway openings shall be protected in accordance with Section 3006.3.

Reason: During the 2012 cycle the CTC submitted a code change FS88-12 to clarify that it was not the intent to require protection of a hoistway opening in rated corridors. Instead, the elevator lobby requirements themselves addressed this issue. That proposal was not approved. Based upon that disapproval, it appears that it is within the intent to require protection of elevator hoistway openings based upon the requirement for rated corridor construction. Therefore, this requirement needs to be specifically clarified within Section 3006 to avoid the requirement being missed. A new section 3006.2.1 has been written to clarify that intent. Also, to further clarify this intent a Section 1020.1.1 has been provided as a pointer to these specific lobby requirements.
It should be noted that this requirement has limited application. The following summarizes the buildings not already addressed by Section 3006.2 that are required to have rated corridors.

Unsprinklered buildings:
Both conditions below apply to require hoistway opening protection:
Group A, B, E, F, M, S and U occupancies with an occupant load served by a corridor greater than 30.
Hoistways connecting only 3 stories.

Sprinklered buildings
Both conditions below apply to require hoistway opening protection:
Applicable Occupancies
Group R greater than 10 served by corridor (.5 hr)
Group H1, H-2, H-3 (1 hr)
Group H4, H5 greater than 30 served by Corridor (1 hr)
Non High rise buildings

The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the Elevator Lobbies Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This will not increase the cost of construction depending upon how this issue is being interpreted. This item will only increase construction if it had not been interpreted to require protection of the hoistway opening in rated corridors. This would involve having to comply with Section 3006.3.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposed change provides much needed clarity by adding a rating requirement. Further modification in the Public Comment process may be beneficial.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G201-15	AS

Code Change No: G202-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 405.4.3, 708.1, 716.5.9.3, [F] 907.5.2.1 (IFC 907.5.2.1), 3006.4, 3007.6, 3007.6.1, 3007.6.3,
3007.9, 3007.9.1, 3008.6

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, ICC Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)
Revise as follows:

405.4.3 Elevators. Where elevators are provided, each compartment shall have direct access to an elevator. Where an elevator serves more than one compartment, an enclosed elevator lobby shall be provided and shall be separated from each compartment by a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 709. Doors shall be gasketed, have a drop sill and be automatic-closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.5.9.3.

General. The following wall assemblies shall comply with this section.
Separation walls as required by Section 420.2 for Groups I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3.
Walls separating tenant spaces in covered and open mall buildings as required by Section 402.4.2.1.
Corridor walls as required by Section 1020.1.
Enclosed Elevator lobby separation as required by Section 3006.2.
Egress balconies as required by Section 1019.2

Smoke-activated doors. Automatic-closing doors installed in the following locations shall be automatic-closing by the actuation of smoke detectors installed in accordance with Section 907.3 or by loss of power to the smoke detector or hold-open device. Doors that are automatic-closing by smoke detection shall not have more than a 10-second delay before the door starts to close after the smoke detector is actuated:

Doors installed across a corridor.
Doors installed in the enclosures of exit access stairways and ramps in accordance with Sections 1019 and 1023, respectively.
Doors that protect openings in exits or corridors required to be of fire-resistance-rated construction.
Doors that protect openings in walls that are capable of resisting the passage of smoke in accordance with Section 509.4.
Doors installed in smoke barriers in accordance with Section 709.5.
Doors installed in fire partitions in accordance with Section 708.6.
Doors installed in a fire wall in accordance with Section 706.8.
Doors installed in shaft enclosures in accordance with Section 713.7.
Doors installed in waste and linen chutes, discharge openings and access and discharge rooms in accordance with Section 713.13. Loading doors installed in waste and linen chutes shall meet the requirements of Sections 716.5.9 and 716.5.9.1.1.
Doors installed in the walls for compartmentation of underground buildings in accordance with Section 405.4.2.
Doors installed in the enclosed elevator lobby walls of underground buildings in accordance with Section 405.4.3.
Doors installed in smoke partitions in accordance with Section 710.5.2.3.

907.5.2.1 Audible alarms. Audible alarm notification appliances shall be provided and emit a distinctive sound that is not to be used for any purpose other than that of a fire alarm.

Exceptions:

Audible alarm notification appliances are not required in critical care areas of Group I-2 Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.2.6, Exception 2.
A visible alarm notification appliance installed in a nurses' control station or other continuously attended staff location in a Group I-2 Condition 2 suite shall be an acceptable alternative to the installation of audible alarm notification appliances throughout the suite in Group I-2 Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.2.6, Exception 2.
Where provided, audible notification appliances located in each enclosed occupant evacuation elevator lobby in accordance with Section 3008.9.1 shall be connected to a separate notification zone for manual paging only.

3006.4 Means of egress. Elevator lobbies shall be provided with at least one means of egress complying with Chapter 10 and other provisions in this code. Egress through an enclosed elevator lobby shall be permitted in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2.

3007.6 Fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator shall open into a an enclosed fire service access elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 3007.6.1 through 3007.6.5. Egress is permitted through the enclosed elevator lobby in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2.

Exception: Where a fire service access elevator has two entrances onto a floor, the second entrance shall be permitted to open into an elevator lobby be protected in accordance with Section 3006.3.

3007.6.1 Access to interior exit stairway or ramp. The enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall have direct access from the enclosed elevator lobby to an enclosure for an interior exit
stairway or ramp.

Exception: Access to an interior exit stairway or ramp shall be permitted to be through a protected path of travel that has a level of fire protection not less than the elevator lobby enclosure. The protected path shall be separated from the enclosed elevator lobby through an opening protected by a smoke and draft control assembly in accordance Section 716.5.3.

3007.6.3 Lobby doorways. Other than doors to the hoistway, elevator control room or elevator control space, each doorway to a an enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall be provided with a 3 /4- hour fire door assembly complying with Section 716.5. The fire door assembly shall comply with the smoke and draft control door assembly requirements of Section 716.5.3.1 with the UL 1784 test conducted without the artificial bottom seal.

3007.9 Standpipe hose connection. A Class I standpipe hose connection in accordance with Section 905 shall be provided in the interior exit stairway and ramp having direct access from the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

3007.9.1 Access. The exit enclosure containing the standpipe shall have access to the floor without passing through the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby.

3008.6 Occupant evacuation elevator lobby. Occupant evacuation elevators shall open into
an enclosed elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 3008.6.1 through 3008.6.6. Egress is permitted through the elevator lobby in accordance with Item 1 of Section 1016.2.

Reason: This proposal is simply clarifying where elevator lobbies are intended to be enclosed. In some cases an elevator lobby is simply the area where the elevators open onto and no enclosure of the space is necessary. This does not necessarily mean the hoistway opening is not protected but instead that there is not a physical lobby enclosure. It should be noted that there are some sections such as Section 909.21.6 that are not necessarily intending to address whether such lobbies are enclosed or unenclosed.

The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the Elevator Lobby Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is simply clarification of when elevator lobbies are enclosed.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee approved this proposal as it clarifies the intent of previous editions of the code.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G202-15	AS

Code Change No: G203-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3007.1

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, ICC Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)
Revise as follows:

3007.1 General. Where required by Section 403.6.1, every floor above and including the lowest level of fire department vehicle access of the building shall be served by fire service access elevators complying with Sections 3007.1 through 3007.9. Except as modified in this section, fire service access elevators shall be installed in accordance with this chapter and ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

Exception: Elevators that only service an open or enclosed parking garage and the lobby of the building shall not be required to serve as fire service access elevators in accordance with Section 3007.

Reason: There are two aspects that this proposal addresses. The first is that it was not the intention that FSAEs be available in the levels of the building below the lowest level of fire department access. Typically the fire department is more concerned with travelling high into the building and does not require that the same facilities be provided in the lower levels of the building. Most fire departments will likely not take an elevator below grade to a fire when the stairs are manageable. This will likely only affect buildings on steep grades where the lowest level of fire department access differs greatly from the main entrance. The second aspect addresses the issue that FSAEs are not necessary in parking garages. As noted the fire department is more likely to use FSAEs due to the height of the building. In addition, fire fighters typically are not willing to take an elevator past the fire floor. Instead in such cases they would prefer the use of the stairway.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the
WTC Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This will save money by not requiring FSAE elevators from the garage and clarifying that it is only the portion of the building above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access that need these elevators.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal significantly clarifies the intent. However, the ability to move fire equiment between floors may also be a concern.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G203-15	AS

Code Change No: G204-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3007.3, 3008.3

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, ICC Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)
Revise as follows:

3007.3 Water protection. An approved method to prevent water Water from the operation of an automatic sprinkler system outside the enclosed lobby shall be prevented from infiltrating into the hoistway enclosure from the operation of the automatic sprinkler system outside the enclosed fire service access elevator lobby shall be provided.in accordance with an approved method.

3008.3 Water protection. An approved method to prevent water Water from the operation of an automatic sprinkler system outside the enclosed lobby shall be prevented from infiltrating into the hoistway enclosure from the operation of the automatic sprinkler system outside the enclosed occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall be provided.in accordance with an approved method.

Reason: As currently written it is often misinterpreted that water protection should be provided from sprinklers activating within the enclosed lobby itself. In fact, this provision is specifically looking only at sprinkler activation outside the lobby. If a sprinkler was activated within the lobby itself then there are larger concerns about the safety of the elevator operations. Also if sprinklers have activated within the lobby the lobby smoke detection would have also activated and recalled the elevators to the lobby. This section is not intended to include fire fighter hose stream.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the
WTC Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is merely a clarification. It may be a savings if it was interpreted to include the activation of an automatic sprinkler system within the enclosed elevator lobby.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This is a necessary clarification to the code that addresses items that are commonly misinterpreted.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G204-15	AS

Code Change No: G207-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 3008.1, 3008.1.1 (New), 3008.8.1 (New)

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, ICC Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)
Revise as follows:

3008.1 General. Where elevators are to be Elevators used for occupant self-evacuation during fires, all passenger elevators for general public use shall comply with Sections 3008.1 through 3008.10. Where other elevators are used for occupant self-evacuation, those elevators shall comply with these sections.

Add new text as follows:

3008.1.1 Number of occupant evacuation elevators. The number of elevators available for occupant evacuation shall be determined based on an egress analysis that addresses one of the following scenarios

Full building evacuation where the analysis demonstrates that the number of elevators provided for evacuation results in an evacuation time less than one hour. 
Evacuation of the 5 consecutive floors with the highest cumulative occupant load where the analysis demonstrates that the number of elevators provided for evacuation results in an evacuation time less than 15 minutes. 

A minimum of one elevator in each bank shall be designated for occupant evacuation. Not less than two shall be provided in each occupant evacuation elevator lobby where more than one elevator opens
into the lobby. Signage shall be provided to denote which elevators are available for occupant evacuation. 

3008.8.1 Determination of standby power load. Standby power loads shall be based upon the determination of the number of occupant evacuation elevators in Section 3008.1.1. 

Reason: The alternative to the 3rd stair in Section 403.5.2 is to use occupant evacuation elevators. This is a viable and more efficient option, but can require an excessive amount of standby power. As currently written, all passenger elevators must be used to comply with Section 3008 and Section 3008.8 would require 2 hours of standby power for every elevator simultaneously. In a building with many elevators, this becomes excessive and may be much more conservative than necessary where occupant loads are low. This proposal provides a more reasonable performance-based approach but while retaining the capacity to evacuate buildings more quickly than with stairs alone.
Two options are provided to determine the number of occupant evacuation elevators necessary to meet the performance intent. The first focuses upon full building evacuation. This does not mandate full building evacuation but instead is a benchmark to use for analysis. The use of 1 hour sets an upper limit on evacuation time and is based upon concerns during review of events such as the WTC bombing in 1993 that buildings should not take longer than an hour to evacuate. The 1 hour criterion is consistent with the upper limit that the elevator industry typically uses to determine the use of elevators during the busier times of the day within buildings during normal operation. It is also consistent with the basis for the current code language. The second option is more closely associated with a more typical phased evacuation. This 15 minute criterion intends to remove occupants from the area to which the fire department will respond. In reviewing a number resources the time of arrival of most fire departments in a typical city is likely around 4 minutes. This does not include time for set-up at the scene. NFPA 1710 specifically requires a 240 second arrival time to 90 percent of the incidents in a jurisdiction. Again this is only arrival time of the first due company. Several fire service officers have stated that an additional 10 minutes are needed to begin incident assessment, leading to the 15 minute criterion. Using the highest occupant load for 5 consecutive floors will provide a safety factor for the required number of occupant evacuation elevators.
In addition since the initial publication of occupant evacuation elevator requirements, ASME A17.1 has been updated and revised to address occupant evacuation elevators. This also includes the interface with the fire department features on elevators. Elevators can now be individually recalled by the fire department thus leaving more elevators available for evacuation if necessary.

ASME A17.1 also provides requirements for the prioritization of elevators during emergencies. This provides another level of rigor to the concept.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the
WTC Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Bibliography: Fire Master Plan, Olympia Washington, Chapter 4 Emergency response – response times. Response times - Chapter 4 Fire Master Plan Olympia, WA
NYC City wide fire report -2014. NYC response times NFPA 1710 – 2010

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal will decrease the cost of construction as it will possibly reduce the number of elevators necessary for occupant evacuation and thus reduce the capacity necessary for standby power.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: Where there are many elevators in a building, it should be possible to evaluate what the real need for emergency power requirements is.
The addition of the number of occupant self evacuation elevators is beneficial.
The committee recommends that the CTC or other parties submit public comments to: 1) Clarify Item 2 to give a start time for the 15 minute evacuation period; 2) Indicate the signage that is required, beyond what is already required; 3) Indicate the percentage of disabled occupants that should be assumed in the analysis.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G207-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G208-15

Original Proposal

Section: 3008.1, 3008.6.1

Proponent: Carl Baldassarra, P.E., FSFPA, P.E., FSFPE, Chair, ICC Code Technology Committee, representing Code Technology Committee (CTC@iccsafe.org)
Revise as follows:

3008.1 General. Where elevators are to be used for occupant self-evacuation during fires, all passenger elevators for general public use shall comply with Sections 3008.1 through 3008.10. Where other elevators are used for occupant self-evacuation, those elevators shall comply with these sections.

3008.6.1 Access to interior exit stairway or ramp. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall have direct access from the enclosed elevator lobby to an interior exit stairway or ramp.

Exception Exceptions:

Access to an interior exit stairway or ramp shall be permitted to be through a protected path of travel that has a level of fire protection not less than the elevator lobby enclosure. The protected path shall be separated from the enclosed elevator lobby through an opening protected by a smoke and draft control assembly in accordance Section 716.5.3.
Elevators that only service an open parking garage and the lobby of the building shall not be required to provide direct access in accordance with this section.

Reason: Requiring occupant evacuation elevators to extend from a parking garages to the main lobby was not contemplated or intended to be addressed by the requirements for occupant evacuation elevators. Such elevators were intended to address portions of the building where height became an issue for evacuation. However it was felt that these elevators should still be available for occupant evacuation but the direct access requirement was felt to be overly restrictive for open parking garages. The direct access requirement often affects the location of the stairways and possibly leading to an additional stairway. There is an exception to Section 3008.6.1 if you provide protection to that stairway but in an open parking garage smoke accumulation is much less due to the open nature of the structure. The additional construction required to create that protected path would serve little benefit.
The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) has just completed its 10th year. The ICC Board has decided to sunset the CTC. The sunset plan includes re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). The two remaining CTC Areas of Study are Care Facilities and Elevator Lobbies/WTC Elevator issues. This proposal falls under the
WTC Area of Study. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website
at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/CTC/Pages/default.aspx.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Will decrease the cost of construction. This will simplify the location of the stairway. This exception eliminates the need for an additional stairway or of the creation of a protected path from the occupancy evacuation elevator lobby to the stairway.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: It is a big challenge dealing with garages and open parking structures and this proposal helps. Open parking structures in particular are very low hazard.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G208-15	AS

Code Change No: G211-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3101.1, 3111, 3111.1, 3111.1.1, 3111.1.1 (New), 3111.1.2 (New), 3111.2 (New), 3111.2.1
(New), 3111.3 (New), 3111.3.1 (New), 3111.3.2 (New), 3111.3.3 (New), 3111.3.4 (New), 3111.3.5
(New), 3111.3.5.1 (New)

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

3101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern special building construction including membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways and tunnels, automatic vehicular gates, awnings and canopies, marquees, signs, and towers and antennas, swimming pool enclosures and safety devices, and solar energy systems.

SECTION 3111
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AND MODULESSOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

3111.1 General. Photovoltaic panels and modules Solar energy systems shall comply with the requirements of this code and the International Fire Code section.

Delete without substitution:

3111.1.1 Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panels and modules. Photovoltaic panels and modules installed on a roof or as an integral part of a roof assembly shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15 and the International Fire Code.

Add new text as follows:

3111.1.1 Wind resistance. Rooftop mounted photovoltaic panels and modules and solar thermal collectors shall be designed in accordance with Section 1609.

3111.1.2 Roof live load. Roof structures that provide support for solar energy systems shall be designed in accordance with Section 1607.12.5.

3111.1.3 Guards. Installations shall comply with Section 1015.6 prior to installation of solar thermal systems or photovoltaic solar energy systems.

3111.2 Solar thermal systems. Solar thermal systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 2606.12, the International Plumbing Code, the International Mechanical Code, and
the International Fire Code.

3111.2.1 Equipment listings. Solar thermal systems and components shall be listed and labeled in accordance with ICC 900/SRCC 300 and ICC 901/SRCC 100.

3111.3 Photovoltaic solar energy systems. Photovoltaic solar energy systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with this section, the International Fire Code, NFPA 70, and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

3111.3.1 Equipment listings. Photovoltaic panels and modules shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703. Inverters shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1741. Systems connected to the utility grid shall use inverters listed for utility interaction.

3111.3.2 Fire classification. Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic systems shall have a fire classification in accordance with Section 1505.9. Building integrated photovoltaic systems shall have a fire classification in accordance with Section 1505.8.

3111.3.3 Building integrated photovoltaic systems. Building integrated photovoltaic systems that serve as roof coverings shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 1507.17.

3111.3.4 Access and pathways. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with Section 605.11 of the International Fire Code.

3111.3.5 Ground mounted photovoltaic systems. Ground mounted photovoltaic systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Chapter 16 and the International Fire Code.

3111.3.5.1 Fire separation distances. Ground mounted photovoltaic systems shall be subject to the fire separation distance requirements determined by the local jurisdiction.

Add new standard(s) as follows:

ICC/SRCC
ICC 900/SRCC 300 Solar Thermal Systems ICC 901/SRCC 100 Solar Thermal Collector

Reason: This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments.
Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx. Currently, provisions for solar energy systems, both solar thermal and photovoltaic, are scattered throughout the International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, and the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). The intent of this proposed change is to do for these codes what was done in the 2015 International Residential Code through Proposal RM98-13. This proposed change consolidates and organizes all the requirements, with necessary section revisions and section additions, in an easily used format that assists the user to find all the applicable requirements – fire, electrical, structural, plumbing, and mechanical - related to solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.
Both of these systems are special building construction, and this proposal expands on the existing Section 3111 for photovoltaic panels and modules, providing clarity as to where specific requirements are located in the building and other codes. As with the new Section R324 in the International Residential Code, expanding Section 3111 will allow for easy inclusion of new solar energy system types and locations.
Several of the new sections proposed to Section 3111 are located in other parts of the code, and a follow-up proposal will be made in the Group B cycle to address those sections, which include:

1510.7.1 (proposed new Section 3111.1)
1510.7.3, 1510.7.4, and 1512.1 (proposed new Section 3111.3)
1510.7.4 (proposed new Section 3111.3.1)
1510.7 (proposed new Section 3111.3.2)

Also a new section will be proposed in Group B cycle to address the specific structural requirements for wind resistance in Chapter 16. These requirements will be coordinated with new provisions in ASCE 7-16.
The requirement for guards in Section 3111.1.3 is already in Section 1015.6.
The new standards developed by ICC/SRCC are referenced for solar thermal equipment and installations.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction. The proposal attempts to clarify the code, but does not make any technical changes to code requirements.

Analysis: A review of the standards proposed for inclusion in the code, ICC 900/SRCC 300 and ICC 901/SRCC 100, with regard to the ICC criteria for referenced standards (Section 3.6 of CP#28) will be posted on the ICC website on or before April 2, 2015.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

3111.1.3 Guards. Installations shall comply with Section 1015.6 prior to installation of solar thermal systems or photovoltaic solar energy systems.

Committee Reason: The change is a very good cleanup. Maintainable parts are covered in Section 1015. The modification removed a fatal flaw in the original proposal.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G211-15	AM

Code Change No: G212-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3102.1.1

Proponent: Jennifer Goupil, representing American Society of Civil Engineers (jgoupil@asce.org)

Revise as follows:

3102.1.1 Tensile membrane structures and air-supported structures. Tensile membrane structures and air-supported structures, including permanent and temporary structures, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASCE 55. The provisions in Sections 3102.3 through 3102.6 shall apply.

Reason: This change proposes to add the new referenced standard ASCE 55 Tensile Membrane Structures. This Standard provides minimum criteria for the design and performance of tensile membrane cable and rigid member structures, including frame structures, collectively known as tensile membrane structures, including permanent and temporary structures as defined herein. The requirements of this Standard shall apply whether the tensile membrane structure is independent of or attached to another structure. This Standard does apply to air-supported structures.
In addition to the scope and definitions, the Standard includes chapters on membrane materials, connections, design, fabrication and erection, as well as appendices for special provisions and a procedure for determining modulus of elasticity. ASCE/SEI 55 is published and maintained by the Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (SEI/ASCE). The document is a nationally recognized consensus standard developed in full compliance with the ASCE Rules for Standards Committees. The ASCE standards process is fully accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The document is designated ASCE/SEI 55-10 Tensile Membrane Structures and it is currently available for purchase from ASCE.
Any person interested in obtaining a public comment copy of ASCE/SEI 55 may do so by contacting the proponent at jgoupil@asce.org. A copy of the standard has been submitted with this proposal.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal coordinates the provisions of the code wtih the provisions of the referenced standard and provides the correct pointer to ASCE 55.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The ASCE standard addresses both tensile and membrane/air supported structures, which is a good addition to the code.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G212-15	AS

Back

Code Change No: G216-15

Original Proposal

Section: 3104.5.2.2

Proponent: Gary Lampella, representing Oregon Building Officials Association (garyl@thebldgdept.com)

Revise as follows:

3104.5.2.2 Glass. The wall shall be constructed of a tempered, wired or laminated glass. The glass wall and doors or glass separating the interior of the building from the pedestrian walkway. The glass shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 that, when actuated, shall completely wet the entire surface of interior sides of the wall or glass. Obstructions shall not be installed between the sprinkler heads and the wall or glass. The glass shall be in a gasketed frame and installed in such a manner that the framing system will deflect without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinkler operates.

Reason: When this section was reformatted by G19-12 we believe the proponent inadvertently added verbiage that resulted in an unintended provision. In the first sentence after "....tempered, wired or laminated glass wall and doors or glass..." The term "or glass" was not in the 2012 edition. This leads one to believe that you could have the option of using tempered, wired or laminated glass or just plain glass. We are sure that was not the intent of the proponent of G19-12. We know of a couple of instances where design professionals have read this to mean they had that option.
We have also divided the first sentence into two sentences. The first sentence tells you the type of glazing to be used, and the second sentence has the protection method.
This proposal would correct any confusion as to the type of glazing required.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is just a clarification of the type of glazing that is currently required for pedestrian walkways so there should be no cost increase

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

3104.5.2.2 Glass. The wall shall be constructed of a tempered, wired or laminated glass. The glass wall and doors separating the interior of the building from the pedestrian walkway. The glass shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 that, when actuated, shall completely wet the entire surface of interior sides of the wall or glass. Obstructions shall not be installed between the sprinkler heads and the wall or glass. The glass shall be in a gasketed frame and installed in such a manner that the framing system will deflect without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinkler operates.

Committee Reason: This is a great and much needed cleanup to the code section. The modification further clarifies the proposal.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G216-15	AM

Code Change No: G220-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3105.4

Proponent: Mike Fischer, Kellen Company, representing the Plastic Glazing Coalition of the American Chemistry Council (mfischer@kellencompany.com)

Revise as follows:

3105.4 Awnings and canopy materials. Awnings and canopies shall be provided with an approved covering that meets complies with one of the following:

The fire propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701 or has,
Has a flame spread index not greater than 25 when where tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, or 
Meets all of the following criteria as tested in accordance with NFPA 286: 3.1. During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling. 3.2. Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.
3.3. The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling. 3.4. The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW. 

Exception: The fire propagation performance and flame spread index requirements shall not apply to awnings installed on detached one- and two-family dwellings.

Reason: The proposal provides an additional compliance path for awning and canopy covers through the addition of NFPA 286 to Section 3105.4. NFPA 286 is referenced in other sections of the IBC, including Chapter 26.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal provides additional options and adds no mandatory requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: NFPA 286 is a much more robust test and, based on testimony, does not appear to hurt industry. As such, the proposal improves the code with no downside.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G220-15	AS

Code Change No: G222-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 3112 (New), 3112.1 (New), 3112.2 (New), 3112.3 (New), 3112.4 (New), 3112.5 (New), 3112.6
(New), 3112.6.1 (New)

Proponent: Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (vickie@intercodeinc.com)

Add new text as follows:

SECTION 3112 GREENHOUSES

3112.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to structures defined as greenhouses by this
code that are designed and used for the cultivation, maintenance, or protection of plants.

3112.2 Accessibility. Greenhouses shall be accessible in accordance with Chapter 11.

3112.3 Structural design. Greenhouses shall comply with the structural design requirements for greenhouses in Chapter 16.

3112.4 Glass and glazing. Glass and glazing used in greenhouses shall comply with Section 2405.

3112.5 Light-transmitting plastics. Light-transmitting plastics shall be permitted in lieu of plain glass in greenhouses and shall comply with Section 2606.

3112.6 Membrane structures. Greenhouses that are considered membrane structures shall comply with Section 3102.

3112.6.1 Plastic film. Plastic films used in greenhouses shall comply with Section 3102.3.

Reason: The word "greenhouse" is used throughout the IBC and important requirements for greenhouses are scattered throughout the code. They are often formatted as exceptions in sections that are otherwise unrelated to greenhouses, and could be easily overlooked by designers and enforcers. Therefore, the purpose of this proposal is to relocate (and direct the code user to) the current and relevant code requirements for greenhouses to a new section in Chapter 31, Special Construction. The new section will consolidate all the relevant information in the code into a single location without any technical changes to current code language.
The table below shows where the current code requirements are located in the 2015 IBC. The new section 3112 has pointers to these sections.

2015 IBC Section with Greenhouse Requirements Chapter 312 Use Group U
Table 506.5 Group U Height and Area 1103.2.4 Accessibiity Exception for Group U Table 1604.3 Deflection Limits
1607.12.2.1 Ordinary roofs, awnings and canopies 1609.1.2 Structural design and protection of openings 2405.3 Exception 3 Screening
2606.11 Greenhouses. Light transmitting plastics 2607.4 Exception 3 Area limitation and separation 2609.4 Exception 3 Area limitations
3102.1 General. Membrane Structures 3102.3 Exception Type of Construction
3102.3.1 Exception - Membrane and interior liner material Appendix C Group U Agricultural Buildings
Appendix D D105 Exceptions to Restrictions in Fire District

Appendix G G1001 Utility and miscellaneous Group U

There are numerous other Group U requirements that could apply to greenhouses.
This proposal, along with the other greenhouse proposals that modify the occupancies to include greenhouses, will assist the designers, other code users and code officials to more consistenlty apply the requirements for greenhouses. As greenhouse food production and scientific research becomes increasingly vital and sophisticated, a single code section on greenhouses will promote more consistent enforcement of current code text, and facilitate the introduction of new technology related to greenhouses in the future.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no cost impact related to this proposal because this proposal only reorganizes and references existing code language into a new section.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

3112.6 Membrane structures. Greenhouses that are considered membrane structures shall comply with Section 3102.

Committee Reason: The proposal provides a helpful collection of regulations which affect greenhouses. The proposal primarily references other provisions of the code, but the other locations are quite scattered and the provisions may be missed. The modification removed an unnecessary word in the provision.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G222-15	AM

Code Change No: G223-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section(s):	107.2.7 (New), 202 (New), 3101.1, 3112 (New), 3112.1 (New), 3112.1.1 (New), 3112.2
(New), 3112.3 (New), 3112.4 (New)

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

Add new text as follows:

Relocatable buildings. Construction documents for relocatable buildings shall comply with this section and Section 3112.

Add new definition as follows:

RELOCTABLE BUILDING. A partially or completely assembled building constructed and designed to be reused multiple times and transported to different building sites.

Revise as follows:

3101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern special building construction including membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways and tunnels, automatic vehicular gates, awnings and canopies, marquees, signs, and towers, antennas, and antennas relocatable buildings.

Add new text as follows:

SECTION 3112 RELOCATABLE BUILDINGS

3112.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to relocatable buildings. Relocatable buildings manufactured after the effective date of this code shall comply with the applicable provisions of this code.

3112.1.1 Compliance. A newly constructed relocatable building shall comply with this code for new construction. An existing relocatable building that is undergoing alteration, addition, change of occupancy or relocation shall comply with Chapter 13 of the International Existing Buildings Code.

3112.2 Supplemental information. Supplemental information specific to a relocatable building shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction. It shall, as a minimum, include all of the following in addition to the information required by Section 105.

Manufacturer's name and address. 2. Date of manufacture.
Serial number of module.
Manufacturer's design drawings.
Type of construction in accordance with Section 602.
Design loads including: roof live load, roof snow load, floor live load, wind load and seismic site class, use group and design category.
Additional building planning and structural design data.
Site built structure or appurtenance attached to the relocatable building.

3112.3 Manufacturer's data plate. Each relocatable module shall have a data plate that is permanently attached on or adjacent to the electrical panel, and shall include the following information:

Occupancy group.
Manufacturer's name and address. 3. Date of manufacture.
Serial number of module.
Design roof live load, design floor live load, snow load, wind and seismic design. 6. Approved quality assurance agency or approved inspection agency.
7. Codes, and standards of construction. 8.   Envelope thermal resistance values. 9. Electrical service size.
10. Fuel burning equipment and size. 11. Special limitations if any.

3112.4 Inspection agencies. The building official is authorized to accept reports of inspections conducted by approved inspection agencies during off-site construction of the relocatable building, and to satisfy the applicable requirements of Sections 110.3 through 110.3.10.1.

Reason: In July/2014 the ICC Board decided to sunset the activities of the Code Technology Committee (CTC). This is being accomplished by re-assigning many of the CTC Areas of Study to the applicable Code Action Committee (CAC). This proposal falls under the CTC Area of Study entitled Relocatable Modular Buildings. Information on the CTC, including: the sunset plan; meeting agendas; minutes; reports; resource documents; presentations; and all other materials developed in conjunction with the CTC effort can be downloaded from the CTC website.
This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.
Unlike site-built buildings, which are typically intended to remain on their original site for the life of the building, relocatable modular buildings are designed and intended for relocation, reuse and/or repurposing. Many states have statutes that govern the building and relocating of relocatable modular buildings. For those that do not have state mandated requirements, much confusion and inconsistency exists about the requirements for relocatable modular buildings as existing buildings.
The Modular Building Institute (MBI) ( www.modular.org) estimates that there are over 600,000 code compliant relocatable buildings in use in North America today. While it is impossible to determine the exact amount owned by the public at large, MBI estimates that public school districts across North America collectively own and operate about 180,000 relocatable classrooms with the industry owning and leasing an additional 120,000. Additionally, the industry owns and leases approximately 280,000 relocatable buildings for various other business occupancies, including construction site offices and temporary sales offices.
Unique characteristics of relocatable modular buildings that are unlike site-built buildings include:

There are sections of the IBC that are applicable equally to both site-built and relocatable modular buildings, particularly for new construction.
There are sections of the conflicting code sections that cannot be applied to both site-built and relocatable modular buildings, specifically related to construction documents, inspection, and relocation.

The IBC does not have specific requirements on how to treat these buildings. In the absence of clear definitions and requirements that are specific to both new and existing relocatable modular buildings, many code officials attempt to apply similar, but non-related sections of the building code intended for site built buildings to the relocatable modular industry. There are unique attributes to relocatable modular buildings that warrant their own requirements in a new chapter in this code.
Two proposals have been submitted on the subject of relocatable modular buildings. One proposal for new construction (this proposal) and a second proposal to address the relocation of modular buildings (proposal to the IEBC). This proposal includes:

The definition has been reproduced from the definition that was added to the 2015 IEBC last cycle.
Identification and inclusion of relocatables into Special Construction, Chapter 31. This chapter applies to new relocatable buildings, and also new site built structures.
Moving this document forward through the ICC code development process will help the modular building industry comply with the intent of the code, provide a clear and consistent path for enforcement professionals, and for compliance by owners of relocatable buildings who wish to re-use or repurpose their existing buildings.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction due to the re-usable/relocatable nature of such buildings.
.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: This is consistent and needed given what was just approved regarding relocatable buildings for the International Existing Building Code. The Commonwealth of Virginia has a program that is very similar to this and it works. Guidance in the code for ths is welcome. We have had difficulty approving relocatable buildings and this would help significantly. We need to know what information should be required for approval for these types of structures.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Vickie Lovell, InterCode Incorporated, representing Modular Building Institute (vickie@intercodeinc.com) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

107.2.7 Relocatable buildings. Construction documents for relocatable buildings shall comply with this section and Section 3112.

Exception: Manufactured housing used as dwellings.

3112.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to relocatable buildings. Relocatable buildings manufactured after the effective date of this code shall comply with the applicable provisions of this code.

Exception: This section shall not apply to manufactured housing used as dwellings.

Commenter's Reason: The committee correctly identified a possible misinterpretation of this section that is specific to relocatable structures used for commercial purposes that are designed to be moved. This section should not be confused with or applied to transportable manufactured housing that is identified in Appendix E of the IRC or NFPA 501. The manufacture, use, and transport of those units are governed by other regulatory documents, including federal, state and/or local requirements.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction.
There is no cost impact since it is a clarification as to what types of structures are applicable to this section. The IRC addresses manufactured housing used as dwellings.

Final Hearing Results

G223-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G229-15

Original Proposal

Back

Section: 3310.1, [F] 3311.1

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org); Michael O'Brian (fcac@iccsafe.org)

Revise as follows:

3310.1 Stairways required. Where a building has been constructed to a building height of 50 construction exceeds 40 feet (15 240 mm) or four stories, or where an existing building exceeding 50 feet (15 24012 192 mm) in building height is altered height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, no fewer than one a temporary lighted or permanent stairway shall be provided unless. As construction progresses, such stairway shall be extended to within one or more floor of the permanent stairways are erected as the highest point of construction progresses having secured decking or flooring.

3311.1 Where required. In buildings required to have standpipes by Section 905.3.1, no fewer than one standpipe shall be provided for use during construction. Such standpipes shall be installed prior to construction exceeding 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Such standpipes shall be provided with fire department hose connections at accessible locations adjacent to usable stairways complying with Section 3310.1. Such As construction progresses,
such standpipes shall be extended as construction progresses to within one floor of the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.

Reason: This proposal provides consistency of temporary stairway requirements with existing provisions for stair access to temporary standpipes and clarifies the timing of when access stairs shall be provided in a building under construction.
This proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). This ICC committee was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx.
The ICC Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC) also supports this proposal.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
May increase or decrease the cost of construction depending on topography of construction site.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This is a beneficial change that coordinates requirements between the International Building Code and the International Existing Building Code.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G229-15	AS

Code Change No: G233-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: I103.1

Proponent: Mike Fischer, Kellen Company, representing the Plastic Glazing Coalition of the American Chemistry Council (mfischer@kellencompany.com)

Revise as follows:

I103.1 Enclosure walls. Enclosure walls shall be permitted to be of any configuration, provided the open or glazed area of the longer wall and one additional wall is equal to at least 65 percent of the area below a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) of each wall, measured from the floor. Openings shall be permitted to be enclosed with insect screening, approved translucent or transparent plastic not more than 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) in thickness conforming to the provisions of Sections 2606 through 2611, glass conforming to the provisions of Chapter 24, or any combination of the foregoing.

Reason: The Patio Cover Appendix contains language dating back to the UBC, and an arbitrary thickness limitation on the plastic panels. The history of this limit is related to the use of removable panels; that restriction is no longer applicable or appropriate.
Furthermore, the chapter does not provide a clear path to ensuring the requirements in Chapter 26 apply. The proposal removes the maximum thickness and adds in a pointer to the appropriate requirements in Chapter 26.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal allows more product options and clarifies existing requirements; it does not add in any new restrictions.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

I103.1 Enclosure walls. Enclosure walls shall be permitted to be of any configuration, provided the open or glazed area of the longer wall and one additional wall is equal to at least 65 percent of the area below a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) of each wall, measured from the floor. Openings shall be permitted to be enclosed with insect screening, translucent or transparent plastic conforming to the provisions of Sections 2606 through 2610 2611, glass conforming to the provisions of Chapter 24, or any combination of the foregoing.

Committee Reason: This proposal provides needed guidance and clarifies the code. The committee modification corrects the section reference as suggested on the floor by the proponent.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G233-15	AM

Back

Code Change No: G235-15

Original Proposal

Section: APPENDIX N(New)

Proponent: Barry Greive, Target Corporation, representing Target Corporation (barry.greive@target.com)

Add new text as follows:

APPENDIX N
GUIDELINES FOR REPLICABLE BUILDINGS

SECTION N101 ADMINISTRATION

N101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide a format and direction regarding the implementation of a Replicable Building Program.

N101.2 Objectives. Such programs allow a jurisdiction to recover from a natural disaster faster, allow for consistent application of the codes for replicable building projects. It will result in faster turnaround for the end user, and a quicker turnaround through the plan review process.

SECTION N102 DEFINITIONS

N102.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the meanings shown herein.

REPLICABLE BUILDING. A building or structure utilizing a replicable design.

REPLICABLE DESIGN. A prototypical design developed for application in multiple locations with minimal variation or modification.

SECTION N103 REPLICABLE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

N103.1 Prototypical construction documents. A replicable design shall establish prototypical construction documents for application at multiple locations. The construction documents shall include details appropriate to each wind region, seismic design category, and climate zone for locations in which the replicable design is intended for application. Application of replicable design shall not vary with regard to the following, except for allowable variations in accordance with Section N106.

Use and occupancy classification.
Building heights and area limitations.
Type of construction classification.
Fire resistance ratings.
Interior finishes.
Fire protection system.
Means of egress.
Accessibility.

Structural design criteria.
Energy efficiency.
Type of mechanical and electrical systems.
Type of plumbing system and number of fixtures.

SECTION N104
REPLICABLE DESIGN SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

N104.1 General. A summary description of the replicable design and related construction documents shall be submitted to an approved agency. Where approval is requested for elements of the replicable design not within the scope of the International Building Code, the construction documents shall specifically designate the codes for which review is sought. Construction documents shall be signed, sealed and dated by a registered design professional.

N104.1.1 Architectural plans and specifications. Where approval of the architectural requirements of the replicable design is sought, the submittal documents shall include architectural plans and specifications as follows:

Description of uses and the proposed occupancy groups for all portions of the building.
Proposed type of construction of the building.
Fully dimensioned drawings to determine building areas and height.
Adequate details and dimensions to evaluate means of egress, including occupant loads for each floor, exit arrangement and sizes, corridors, doors, and stairs.
Exit signs and means of egress lighting, including power supply.
Accessibility scoping provisions.
Description and details of proposed special occupancies such as a covered mall, high-rise, mezzanine, atrium, and public garage.
Adequate details to evaluate fire resistive construction requirements, including data substantiating required ratings.
Details for plastics, insulation and safety glazing installation.
Details of required fire protection systems.
Material specifications demonstrating fire resistance criteria.

N104.1.2 Structural plans, specifications, and engineering details. Where approval of the structural requirements of the replicable design is sought, the submittal documents shall include details for each wind region, seismic design category and climate zone for which approval is sought; and shall include the following:

Signed and sealed structural design calculations which support the member sizes on the drawings.
Design load criteria, including; frost depth, live loads; snow loads; wind loads; earthquake design date; and other special loads
Details of foundations and superstructure.
Provisions for special inspections.

N104.1.3 Energy conservation details. Where approval of the energy conservation requirements of the replicable design is sought, the submittal documents shall include details for each climate zone for which approval is sought; and shall include the following:

Climate zones for which approval is sought.
Building envelope details.
Building mechanical system details.
Details of electrical power and lighting systems.
Provisions for system commissioning.

SECTION N105
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF REPLICABLE DESIGN.

N105.1 General. Proposed replicable designs shall be reviewed by an approved agency. The review shall be applicable only to the replicable design features submitted in accordance with Section N104. The review shall determine compliance with this code and additional codes specified in Section N104.1.

N105.2 Documentation. The results of the review shall be documented indicating compliance with the code requirements.

N105.3 Deficiencies. Where the review of the submitted construction documents identifies elements where the design is deficient and will not comply with the applicable code requirements, the approved agency shall notify the proponent of the replicable design, in writing, of the specific areas of non- compliance and request correction.

N105.4 Approval. Where the review of the submitted construction documents determines that the design is in compliance with the codes designated in Section N104.4, and where deficiencies identified in Section N105.3 have been corrected the approved agency shall issue a summary report of Approved Replicable Design. The summary report shall include any limitations on the approved replicable design including, but not limited to climate zones, wind regions and seismic design categories.

SECTION N106
SITE SPECIFIC APPLICATION OF APPROVED REPLICABLE DESIGN

N106.1 General. Where site specific application of a replicable design that has been approved under the provisions of Section N105 is sought, the construction documents submitted to the building official shall comply with this section.

N106.2 Submittal documents. A summary description of the replicable design and related construction document shall be submitted. Construction documents shall be signed, sealed, and dated by the registered design professional. A statement, signed sealed and dated by the registered design professional, that the replicable design submitted for local review is the same as the replicable design reviewed by the approved agency shall be submitted.

N106.2.1 Architectural plans and specifications. Architectural plans and specifications shall include the following:

Construction documents for variations from the replicable design.
Construction for portions that are not part of the replicable design.
Documents for local requirements as identified by the building official.
Construction documents detailing the foundation system.

SECTION N107
SITE SPECIFIC REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF REPLICABLE DESIGN

N107.1 General. Proposed site specific application of replicable design shall be submitted to the building official in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1 and Appendix N.

N107.2 Site specific review and approval of replicable design. The building official shall verify that the replicable design submitted for site specific application is the same as the approved replicable design reviewed by the approved agency. In addition, the building official shall review the following for code compliance.

Construction documents for variations from the replicable design.
Construction for portions of the building that are not part of the replicable design.
Documents for local requirements as identified by the building official.

Reason: In August 2010 the International Code Council published a document titled the "IGG G1-2010 Guideline for Replicable Buildings". The intent of this guideline is to give jurisdictions a tool that they could adopt to help streamline their document review process to ensure code compliance. This code change proposal adds the "Guidelines" into an Appendix chapter so jurisdictions have an legal way of incorporating this concept into their building code adoption process. The intent is to streamline the plan review process at the local level by removing redundant reviews by allowing the plan reviewer to focus on any state and local amendments to the International Family of Codes.
There are currently many areas that have some form of expedited review process for replicable buildings. The basic approach is captured in the ICC G1-2010 Guidelines for Replicable Buildings.

Bibliography: ICC G-1-2010 Guidelines for Replicable Buildings

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This would be an increase in costs because the owner will need to have a third party plan review completed, but in jurisdictions that are using this concept the savings to an owner offset those expenses resulting in a savings.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: Placing this information in an appendix gives jurisdictions a needed option for regulating prototype and repetitive building designs.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G235-15	AS

Code Change No: G237-15

Back

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Victor Cuevas, representing City of Los Angeles (victor.cuevas@lacity.org)

Revise as follows:

ATTIC The space between the ceiling beams framing of the top story and the roof rafters.

Reason: Not all ceilings have beams, but all ceilings have "framing".

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This code amendment will not increase the cost of construction. This amendment will provide consistency in regulating building terms, but does not add or remove any requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

ATTIC. The space between the ceiling framing of the top story and the underside of the roof rafters.

Committee Reason: The committee felt that there was a strong need to improve the definition of attic. The proposal as modified by the committee provides a better definition than what is currently in the code. The committee realizes that there may be other further improvements that could be made and hopes that this will occur during the public comment process.

Assembly Action	None

Final Hearing Results

G237-15	AM

Code Change No: G2-16 Part I

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: David Tyree, American Wood Council, representing American Wood Council (dtyree@awc.org)

THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDERS FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type method of construction whose primary structural elements are formed by a system of repetitive wood-framing members. See Section 2308 for conventional light-frame construction provisions.

LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type method of construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or cold-formed steel framing members.

Reason: The wording of this definition has often caused confusion among code users when determining the type of construction of a building. Chapter 6 of the IBC describes and provides the requirements for the different types of construction ranging from Type IA to VB. Light wood frame is not considered a type of construction. This proposal simply revises the definition to state that Light- Frame is a "method" of construction and should not be confused with the different "Types of Construction" specified in Chapter 6. For a complete list of AWC code change proposals and additional information please go to http://www.awc.org/Code-Officials/2015- IBC-Code-Changes.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no increase in the cost of construction due to this change as it is only intended to clarify the existing code provisions.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A method of construction Construction whose primary structural elements are formed by a system of repetitive wood-framing members. See Section 2308 for conventional light-frame construction provisions.

LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A method of construction Construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or cold-formed steel framing members.

Committee Reason: The proposal removes references to 'type of construction" that is a source of confusion in the definitions for "light frame construction". The modification further simplifies and clarifies the definitions by removing unnecessary wording.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G2-16 Part I	AM

Code Change No: G2-16 Part II

Original Proposal

Section: R202

Proponent: David Tyree, American Wood Council, representing American Wood Council (dtyree@awc.org)

THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDERS FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

[RB] LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type method of construction with whose vertical and horizontal structural elements that are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or cold-formed steel framing members.

Reason: The wording of this definition has often caused confusion among code users when determining the type of construction of a building. Chapter 6 of the IBC describes and provides the requirements for the different types of construction ranging from Type IA to VB. Light wood frame is not considered a type of construction. This proposal simply revises the definition to state that Light- Frame is a "method" of construction and should not be confused with the different "Types of Construction" specified in Chapter 6. For a complete list of AWC code change proposals and additional information please go to http://www.awc.org/Code-Officials/2015- IBC-Code-Changes.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
There is no increase in the cost of construction due to this change as it is only intended to clarify the existing code provisions.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A method of construction Construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily a system of repetitive wood or cold-formed steel framing members.

Committee Reason: The modification deleted "A method of" which was ambiguous and unnecessary language.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G2-16 Part II	AM

Code Change No: G7-16

Original Proposal

Section: 202 (New)

Proponent: Dale Biggers, P.E., representing GeoCoalition (dbiggers@bohbros.com); Lori Simpson, P.E.,G.E., representing GeoCoalition; Daniel Stevenson, P.E., representing GeoCoalition; E. Anna Sellountou, PhD,PE, representing GeoCoalition; Woodward Vogt, Paradigm Consultants, Inc., representing GeoCoalition (woody@paradigmconsultants.com)

THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

[BS] DRILLED SHAFT. A cast-in-place deep foundation element, also referred to as caisson, drilled pier, and bored pile, constructed by drilling a hole (with or without permanent casing or drilling fluid) into soil or rock and filling it with fluid concrete after the drilling equipment is removed.

Socketed drilled shaft. A drilled shaft with a permanent pipe or tube casing that extends down to bedrock and an uncased socket drilled into the bedrock.

Reason: The purpose of the proposed code change is to distinguish it from augercast piles (reference to removing drilling equipment). Alternate names are included which are in common use in the industry. Drilling fluids (e.g. slurry) are often used in lieu of casing to stabilize the hole.

Click here to view the members of the GeoCoalition who developed this proposal

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The code change proposal will not change the cost of construction and is simply a clarification.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee agreed that the revision adds clarity to the definition of "drilled shaft.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G7-16	AS

Code Change No: G9-16 Part I

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Julie Ruth, JRuth Code Consulting, representing American Architectural Manufacturers Association (julruth@aol.com)

THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDERS FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

FENESTRATION. Skylights Products classified as either vertical fenestration or skylights and sloped glazing, installed in such a manner as to preserve the weather resistant barrier of the wall
or roof windows, vertical windows (fixed or moveable), opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block and combination opaque/glazed doors in which they are installed. Fenestration includes products with glass and nonglass glazing or other transparent or translucent materials.

Add new definition as follows:

FENESTRATION, VERTICAL. Windows that are fixed or movable, opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block and combination opaque and glazed doors installed in a wall at less than 15 degrees from vertical.

Reason: The definition of fenestration, skylights, sloped glazing, unit skylights and tubular daylighting devices was revised and reformatted from the 2015 IBC to the 2015 IRC and 2015 IECC during the ICC Group A and B code change cycles in 2012 and 2013.
This proposal revises the definitions of fenestration and vertical fenestration in the IBC and IRC, for consistency with the IECC, and each other. It places the most distinguishing characteristics of fenestration in the main definition of that product type, and further distinguishes between vertical fenestration, and skylights and sloped glazing. The definition of skylights and sloped glazing is being addressed in a separate code change proposal.
Although fenestration is an opening in the building envelope, it is to be designed and installed in such a manner as to preserve the integrity of the building envelope component in which it is installed. Fenestration products typically consist of assemblies that are glazed with glass or other transparent or translucent materials. This proposal places both of these characteristics into the main definition of fenestration.
Although similar, the performance characteristics for skylights and sloped glazing are different than for vertical fenestration. This proposal maintains the measurement of 15 degrees from vertical as the point at which fenestration products go from being vertical fenestration installed in a wall, to skylights or sloped glazing. Although the 2015 IECC sets this threshold at 30 degrees from vertical, AAMA strongly feels that this is an erroneous point at which to draw this distinction. The design of products to be weather resistant, particularly with regards to water penetration and snow load, is quite different for products installed at any slope at all in comparison to products installed in a completely vertical position. 15 degrees from vertical has been the accepted threshold for this distinction for many years. It should not be increased.
We urge approval of this proposal, which places emphasis on the primary function of fenestration products.

Definitions as found in the IRC Energy Chapter (N1101.6) are as follows:

Fenestration. Products classified as either vertical fenestration or skylights.
Fenestration, vertical. Windows (fixed or moveable), opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block and combination opaque/glazed doors composed of glass or other transparent or translucent glazing materials and installed at a slope of a least 60 degrees (1.05 rad) from horizontal.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal clarifies the characteristics of fenestration. It does not change the requirements for them, and will not increase the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The committee believes the revisions to the definition of fenestration will make it clearer instead of referring to a "laundry list".

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G9-16 Part I	AS

Code Change No: G9-16 Part II

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Julie Ruth, JRuth Code Consulting, representing American Architectural Manufacturers Association (julruth@aol.com)

THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDERS FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

[RE] FENESTRATION. Skylights, Products classified as either vertical fenestration or skylights and sloped glazing. installed in such a manner as to preserve the weather resistant barrier of the wall or roof windows, vertical windows (whether fixed in which they are installed. Fenestration includes
products with glass or moveable); opaque doors; glazed doors; glass block; and combination opaque and glazed doors other transparent or translucent materials
.
For definition applicable in Chapter 11, see Section N1101.6.

Add new definition as follows:

FENESTRATION, VERTICAL. Windows that are fixed or moveable, opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block and combination opaque and glazed doors installed in a wall at less than 15 degrees from vertical.

For definition applicable in Chapter 11, see Section N1101.6.

Reason: The definition of fenestration, skylights, sloped glazing, unit skylights and tubular daylighting devices was revised and reformatted from the 2015 IBC to the 2015 IRC and 2015 IECC during the ICC Group A and B code change cycles in 2012 and 2013.
This proposal revises the definitions of fenestration and vertical fenestration in the IBC and IRC, for consistency with the IECC, and each other. It places the most distinguishing characteristics of fenestration in the main definition of that product type, and further distinguishes between vertical fenestration, and skylights and sloped glazing. The definition of skylights and sloped glazing is being addressed in a separate code change proposal.
Although fenestration is an opening in the building envelope, it is to be designed and installed in such a manner as to preserve the integrity of the building envelope component in which it is installed. Fenestration products typically consist of assemblies that are glazed with glass or other transparent or translucent materials. This proposal places both of these characteristics into the main definition of fenestration.
Although similar, the performance characteristics for skylights and sloped glazing are different than for vertical fenestration. This proposal maintains the measurement of 15 degrees from vertical as the point at which fenestration products go from being vertical fenestration installed in a wall, to skylights or sloped glazing. Although the 2015 IECC sets this threshold at 30 degrees from vertical, AAMA strongly feels that this is an erroneous point at which to draw this distinction. The design of products to be weather resistant, particularly with regards to water penetration and snow load, is quite different for products installed at any slope at all in comparison to products installed in a completely vertical position. 15 degrees from vertical has been the accepted threshold for this distinction for many years. It should not be increased.
We urge approval of this proposal, which places emphasis on the primary function of fenestration products.

Definitions as found in the IRC Energy Chapter (N1101.6) are as follows:

Fenestration. Products classified as either vertical fenestration or skylights.
Fenestration, vertical. Windows (fixed or moveable), opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block and combination opaque/glazed doors composed of glass or other transparent or translucent glazing materials and installed at a slope of a least 60 degrees (1.05 rad) from horizontal.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal clarifies the characteristics of fenestration. It does not change the requirements for them, and will not increase the cost of construction.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This is consistent with the International Building Code.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G9-16 Part II	AS

Code Change No: G10-16 Part I

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Julie Ruth, JRuth Code Consulting, representing American Architectural Manufacturers Association (julruth@aol.com)

THIS IS A 4 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-COMMERCIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART III WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-RESIDENTIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART IV WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:
SECTION  202  DEFINITIONS
[BS] SKYLIGHTS AND SLOPED GLAZING. Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of 15 degrees (0.26 rad) or more from vertical. Glazing material
in Unit skylights, including unit skylights tubular daylighting devices, tubular daylighting devices, and glazing materials in solariums, sunrooms sunrooms, roofs and sloped walls, are included in this definition.

Reason: This revision clarifies the types of products that are included in the category of "skylights" and brings the IECC more closely in alignment with the IRC.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal simply clarifies which products fall under the category of "skylight", and by default, which do not. It will not impact the cost of construction

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal improves the definition of "skylights and sloped glazing" and its approval in consistent with  action taken by the IRC-B committee.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G10-16 Part I	AS

Code Change No: G10-16 Part II

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Julie Ruth, JRuth Code Consulting, representing American Architectural Manufacturers Association (julruth@aol.com)

THIS IS A 4 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-COMMERCIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART III WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-RESIDENTIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART IV WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

FENESTRATION. Products classified as either vertical fenestration or skylights.

Skylight. Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of less than 60 degrees (1.05 rad) from horizontal, including unit skylights, tubular daylighting devices, and glazing materials in solariums, sunrooms, roofs and sloped walls.

Vertical fenestration. Windows (fixed or moveable), opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block and combination opaque/glazed doors composed of glass or other transparent or translucent glazing materials and installed at a slope of at least 60 degrees (1.05 rad) from horizontal.
Reason: This revision clarifies the types of products that are included in the category of "skylights" and brings the IECC more closely in alignment with the IRC.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal simply clarifies which products fall under the category of "skylight", and by default, which do not. It will not impact the cost of construction

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: Approval was based on the proponent's published reason statements.

Analysis: This code change proposal was initially placed on the ballot for an assembly motion. Upon further review, it was discovered that there was no motion made. Therefore the code change was removed from the assembly motion ballot.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G10-16 Part II	AS

Code Change No: G10-16 Part IV

Original Proposal

Section: R202

Proponent: Julie Ruth, JRuth Code Consulting, representing American Architectural Manufacturers Association (julruth@aol.com)

THIS IS A 4 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-COMMERCIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART III WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-RESIDENTIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART IV WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

[RB] SKYLIGHT AND SLOPED GLAZING. Glass or other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slope of 15 degrees (0.26 rad) or more from vertical. Glazing materials in skylights, including unit Unit skylights, tubular daylighting devices, and glazing materials in solariums, sunrooms, roofs and sloped walls are included in this definition.

Reason: This revision clarifies the types of products that are included in the category of "skylights" and brings the IECC more closely in alignment with the IRC.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposal simply clarifies which products fall under the category of "skylight", and by default, which do not. It will not impact the cost of construction

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal cleans up and expands the definition.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G10-16 Part IV	AS

Code Change No: G12-16

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Gregory Wilson, Federal Emergency Management Agency (gregory.wilson2@fema.dhs.gov); Rebecca Quinn (rcquinn@earthlink.net)

THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

[BS] LOWEST FLOOR. The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, including basement, but excluding any unfinished or floodresistant enclosure, usable solely for vehicle parking, building access or limited storage provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of Section 1612.

Reason: This proposal is editorial. It will make this definition consistent with the change to 2015 IRC R322.1.5 that was Approved as Submitted (RB182-13) to ensure consistency with the definition of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Modifying the definition does not change how the term is used or the requirements applicable to the term.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: Committee's approval is based on this change to the definition of "lowest floor" providing consistency with requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G12-16	AS

Code Change No: G14-16 Part I

Original Proposal

Section: IBC: 202

Proponent: Theresa Weston, representing DuPont Building Innovations (theresa.a.weston@dupont.com)

THIS IS A 4 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-COMMERCIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART III WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-RESIDENTIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART IV WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

[BS] ROOF ASSEMBLY (For application to Chapter 15 only). A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. loads. The system consists of a roof covering roof
covering and roof deck roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roof deck roof deck, vapor retarder underlayment, substrate or and roof covering and can also include a thermal barrier, insulation or a vapor retarder, vapor
retarder and roof covering based on design specifications.

Reason: This proposal makes clarifies and makes corrections to the definition. Specifically, in the definition in the IBC and IRC it
replaces one of the redundant "vapor retarder" listings with "underlayment". Additionally it separates the items that are only present in some roof assemblies, from those that are present in all roof assemblies.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is a clarification of a definition and does add any additional restrictions or requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

[BS] ROOF ASSEMBLY (For application to Chapter 15 only). A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roof deck can also include , an underlayment, and roof covering and can also include a thermal barrier, insulation or a vapor retarder, based on design specifications.

Committee Reason: The revision to the definition of "roof assembly" removes duplicative wording and clarifies which items are in all roof assemblies. The modification removes some of the proposed wording that was not needed and clarifies that underlayment can be included in the roof assembly but it not a requirement of all roof assemblies.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G14-16 Part I	AM

Code Change No: G14-16 Part III

Original Proposal

Section: IECC: 202

Proponent: Theresa Weston, representing DuPont Building Innovations (theresa.a.weston@dupont.com)

THIS IS A 4 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-COMMERCIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART III WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-RESIDENTIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART IV WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roof covering, underlayment, and roof deck, and can also include a thermal barrier, insulation, or a vapor retarder and interior finish, based on design specifications.

Reason: This proposal makes clarifies and makes corrections to the definition. Specifically, in the definition in the IBC and IRC it replaces one of the redundant "vapor retarder" listings with "underlayment". Additionally it separates the items that are only present in some roof assemblies, from those that are present in all roof assemblies.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is a clarification of a definition and does add any additional restrictions or requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roof covering, underlayment, and roof deck, and can also include a thermal barrier, ignition barrier, insulation or a vapor retarder, based on design specifications.

Committee Reason: The modification to remove "based on design specifications" was made because it doesn't add anything to the definition. The modification to add thermal barrier was made because the fire resistance performance is also an important aspect of a roof assembly.
The As Modified proposal was approved because the thermal performance of a roof assembly is an important attribute to include.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G14-16 Part III	AM

Code Change No: G14-16 Part IV

Original Proposal

Section: IRC: 202

Proponent: Theresa Weston, representing DuPont Building Innovations (theresa.a.weston@dupont.com)

THIS IS A 4 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-COMMERCIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART III WILL BE HEARD BY THE IECC-RESIDENTIAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART IV WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

[RB] ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roof deck, vapor retarder
underlayment, substrate or and roof covering and can also include a thermal barrier, insulation, or a vapor retarder, and roof covering based on design specifications.

Reason: This proposal makes clarifies and makes corrections to the definition. Specifically, in the definition in the IBC and IRC it
replaces one of the redundant "vapor retarder" listings with "underlayment". Additionally it separates the items that are only present in some roof assemblies, from those that are present in all roof assemblies.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is a clarification of a definition and does add any additional restrictions or requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

[RB] ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The system assembly includes the roof deck, underlayment, and roof covering and can also include a thermal barrier, insulation or a vapor retarder, based on design specifications.

Committee Reason: The modification removes unnecessary language. The updates to the language improve the code.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G14-16 Part IV	AM

Code Change No: G17-16 Part II

Original Proposal

Section: R202 (New)

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org)

THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDERS FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Add new definition as follows:

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A system that converts solar radiation to usable energy, including photovoltaic panel system and solar thermal system.

SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR. Components in a solar thermal system that collect and convert solar radiation to thermal energy.

SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM. A system that converts solar radiation to thermal energy for use in heating or cooling.

Reason: The proposed terms "solar thermal collector" and "solar thermal system" are from ICC 900/SRCC 300-15, Solar Thermal System Standard. These terms are currently used in the IRC and it is therefore appropriate for the definitions to be included.
The expansion of Section 3111 in the International Building Code by Proposal G211-15 in the Group A cycle covers all that is within Section 1510.7 and its subsections, as well as providing all the applicable requirements for photovoltaic panels and modules in one location of the code. There are additional requirements that apply to rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panels and modules that are not covered in Section 1510.7, including roof access, signage, routing of conductors, and additional electrical requirements. By locating all applicable requirements in one location in the chapter for Special Construction, all applicable requirements will be addressed. In addition, Section 3111 also covers all the applicable requirements for solar thermal systems, which include the solar thermal collectors mounted on the roof. Revising Section 1512.1 provides the appropriate pointer to the requirements in Section 3111.
This proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof. In 2014 and 2015 the BCAC has held 5 open meetings. In addition, there were numerous Working Group meetings and conference calls for the current code development cycle, which included members of the committee as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: BCAC

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
No cost increase as this correlates the requirements relocated to Section 3111.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal brings a consensus ICC standard into the IRC.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G17-16 Part II	AS

Code Change No: G19-16 Part I

Original Proposal

Section: IBC: 202

Proponent: Theresa Weston, representing DuPont Building Innovations (theresa.a.weston@dupont.com)

THIS IS A 2 PART CODE CHANGE. PART I WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC-STRUCTURAL CODE COMMITTEE. PART II WILL BE HEARD BY THE IRC-BUILDING CODE COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDERS FOR THESE COMMITTEES.

Revise as follows:

STEEP SLOPE. A roof slope greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope).

[BS] UNDERLAYMENT. One or more layers of a durable, water resistive material (e.g. felt, sheathing paper, nonbituminous saturated felt, or other approved material self-adhered membrane) that provides a degree of protection against water intrusion based on the roof slope and anticipated environmental exposure, over which steep slope a steep-slope roof covering roof covering is applied.

Reason: This proposal expands the definition to describe an underlayment more generally, rather than describing it only by example materials.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal only updates a definition and does not include any additional restrictions or requirements.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

[BS] UNDERLAYMENT. One or more layers of a durable, water resistive material (e.g. felt, sheathing paper, nonbituminous saturated felt, or self-adhered membrane) that provides applied to a degree of protection against water intrusion based on the roof slope and anticipated environmental exposure, over which steep slope a roof covering is applied deck under the roof covering that resists liquid water that penetrates the roof covering.

Committee Reason: The revision to the definition of "roof assembly" removes duplicative wording and clarifies which items are in all roof assemblies. The modification removes some of the proposed wording that was not needed and clarifies that underlayment can be included in the roof assembly but it not a requirement of all roof assemblies.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G19-16 Part I	AM

Code Change No: G20-16

Original Proposal

Section: 202; IEBC: 202, [BS] 606.2.4 (New)

Proponent: David Bonowitz, representing National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (dbonowitz@att.net)

THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

[BS] SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A condition where one or both any of the following apply:

The vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral loadcarrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 33 percent from its predamage condition.
The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components, that supports more than 30 percent of the total area of the structure's floors and roofs has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
The capacity of any structural component carrying snow load, or any group of such components, that supports more than 30 percent of the roof area of similar construction, has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition, and the remaining capacity with respect to dead, live, and snow loads is less than 75 percent of that required by this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose, and location.

2015 International Existing Building Code

Revise as follows:

[BS] SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A condition where one or bothany of the following apply:

The vertical elements of the lateral forceresisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral load-carrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 33 percent from its predamage condition.
The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components, that supports more than 30 percent of the total area of the structure's floors and roofs has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
The capacity of any structural component carrying snow load, or any group of such components, that supports more than 30 percent of the roof area of similar construction, has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition, and the remaining capacity with respect to dead, live, and snow loads is less than 75 percent of that required by the International Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose, and location.

Add new text as follows:

Substantial structural damage to snow load-carrying components. Where substantial structural damage to any snow load-carrying components is caused by or related to snow load effects, any components required to carry snow loads on roof framing of similar construction shall be repaired, replaced, or retrofitted to satisfy the requirements of Section 1608 of the International Building Code.

Reason: This proposal corrects an oversight in the current definition of substantial structural damage and adds a new upgrade trigger for snow retrofit.
Recent winters have seen a wave of snow-related roof collapses, especially in the northeast. One might have expected that the IEBC's current provisions for substantial structural damage (SSD) to gravity components would have resulted in repair or retrofit better than the predamage condition. However, when only the roof collapses, in a multi-story building that often represents less than 30 percent of the total building area, so the current SSD trigger does not apply.
Therefore, this proposal adds a new type of SSD specifically related to snow damage patterns, together with a retrofit trigger for the repairs chapter.

The new SSD type parallels the existing definition of gravity component SSD but considers only the elements carrying snow load (roof framing, columns, etc.) and compares them only to the roof area.
Like the current SSD definitions, the new SSD type is independent of cause. The cause of damage is considered in the triggering provisions within Chapter 6.
The proposed trigger in 606.2.4 applies only where the snow SSD was actually caused by snow (using the same wording currently in 606.2.3).
"Of similar construction" recognizes that a building might have different roof areas of different construction. Thus, the damage is measured relative to the roof area with construction similar to the damaged area, and the retrofit applies only to this area of similar construction as well.

The proposal is meant to apply to all IEBC methods of compliance. It is written for Chapter 6 only, however, presuming that Group A EB 10 will stand as approved, so that current Chapter 6 will become the new Repairs chapter, and Prescriptive repair provisions will no longer exist. If that does not occur, and assuming this proposal is approved, we expect ICC staff and correlating committees will ensure that a matching provision is added to the Prescriptive method.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
The cost of a substantial repair will be increased by the highly beneficial cost of roof framing retrofit. Probably a net savings over time.

Staff note: There is a published errata to IEBC for the definition of "substantial structural damage" that is reflected in this proposal.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: Adding an item dealing with snow to the definition of "substantial structural damage" addresses a real issue in areas that have significant snow loads. In spite of possible short-comings, the committee felt it was important to have this provision added and it could be worked on later. While there is agreement that replacement members should conform to current IBC for new members, there was some concern of possible trickle down effects throughout the building leading to larger upgrade requirements.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G20-16	AS

Code Change No: G21-16

Original Proposal

Section: IBC: 202; IEBC: 202202; IEBC: 202, [BS] 606.2.4 (New)

Proponent: David Bonowitz, representing National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (dbonowitz@att.net)

THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Delete without substitution:

[BS] SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A condition where one or both of the following apply:

The vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral loadcarrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 33 percent from its predamage condition.
The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components, that supports more than 30 percent of the total area of the structure's floors and roofs has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

2015 International Existing Building Code

Revise as follows:

[BS] SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A condition where one or both of the following apply:

The vertical elements of the lateral forceresisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral load-carrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 33 percent from its predamage condition.
The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components, that supports more than 30 percent of the total area of the structure's floor(s) and roof(s) has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by this code the International Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

Reason: This proposal makes editorial revisions that clarify the intent of the definition and facilitate its implementation.
For IBC - The term 'substantial structural damage' was used in Chapter 34. It should have been deleted from the IBC when Chapter 34 was removed.
For IEBC - The edit changes "this code" to "the IBC." The current language is an obsolete holdover from the version of the definition that went with IBC Chapter 34.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This change is editorial and therefore will not change any construction requirements.

Staff note: There is a published errata in IEBC for the definition of "substantial structural damage" that is reflcted in this proposal.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal removes an IBC definition that was associated with Chapter 34 and should have been deleted previously.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G21-16	AS

Code Change No: G22-16

Original Proposal

Section: IBC: 202; IEBC: 202

Proponent: Gwenyth Searer, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

[BS] SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A condition where one or both of the following apply:

The vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting force resisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral loadcarrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 33 percent from its predamage condition.
The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components, that supports has a tributary area more than 30 percent of the total area of the structure's floors and roofs has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

2015 International Existing Building Code

Revise as follows:

[BS] SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A condition where one or both of the following apply:

The vertical elements of the lateral forceresisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral load-carrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 33 percent from its predamage condition.
The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components, that supports has a tributary area more than 30 percent of the total area of the structure's floors and roofs has been reduced more than 20 percent from its predamage condition and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

Reason: There has been some debate among engineers regarding the meaning of the word "supports". Some argue that since the term "tributary area" is not used, the word "supports" can be interpreted as requiring postulation of a collapse mechanism (e.g., in a square structure with four columns, one at each corner, if you hypothetically removed a single column and half the structure would collapse, then that column "supports" half of the structure. Or if in the same structure, if you removed a single column and the entire structure would collapse, then that column "supports" 100 percent of the structure). Similarly, another interpretation is that if a load is placed somewhere on a structure, and any portion of the load is resisted by the element in question in any amount, then that element "supports" the area where the load was applied. Both these interpretations can result in the columns and walls at any given level of a structure supporting far more than 100 percent of the building.
Neither interpretation is the intent of the trigger, which was only ever intended to incorporate the concept of tributary area.
Addition of the term "tributary area" will clarify the intent using a commonly understood technical term.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This is a clarification / editorial change. As such, this proposal has no implications on the cost of construction.

Staff note: There is a published errata to the definition of 'substantial structural damage' in the IEBC. That errata is reflected in this proposal.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal clarifies the definition of "substantial structural damage" by replacing "supports" with "tributary area". This corrects a problem by substituting terminology that engineers have little trouble applying.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G22-16	AS

Code Change No: G23-16

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Jay Crandell, ARES Consulting, representing Foam Sheathing Committee of the American Chemistry Council

THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

VAPOR PERMEABLE MEMBRANE. The property of having a moisture vapor permeance rating of 5 perms (2.9 × 10-10 kg/Pa × s × m2) or greater, when tested in accordance with the desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTM E 96. A vapor permeable material permits the passage of moisture vapor..

Reason: The word "membrane" is superfluous. The definition applies to the vapor permeance property of any material. It has no need to be limited to "membranes". The definition and the property are relevant to other materials such as sheathings, insulation, paint, drywall, etc. The term "vapor permeable membrane" is currently used only once in Section 702.1 and this proposal will have no effect on this usage since the term "vapor permeable" remains defined and the term "membrane" is well understood by its plain meaning. This will match IRC.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This proposal makes not material change to the code or the definition that has cost implications.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal to revise the defined term to "vapor permaeable" is appropriate, since the definition is about the property, not the material.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G23-16	AS

Code Change No: G24-16

Original Proposal

Section: 202

Proponent: Jason Wilen AIA CDT RRO, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), representing National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) (jwilen@nrca.net)

THIS CODE CHANGE WILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE TENTATIVE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

VEGETATIVE ROOF. An assembly of interacting components designed to waterproof and normally insulate a building's top surface that includes, by design, vegetation and related landscape elements.

Reason: The purpose of this change is to address a concern raised during the IgCC code hearing last cycle. We have taken the change to ASTM and the updated definition for "Vegetative Roof" has been balloted with ASTM's D08 Committee and has received no negative votes. This change will therefore make the IBC definition consistent with the most up-to-date definition in ASTM D1079, "Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing."

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
The proposed change is a clarification and does not change the stringency of existing code requirements so the cost of construction will be unchanged.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal revises the definition of "vegitative roof" so that it correlates with ASTM D1079.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G24-16	AS

Code Change No: G27-16

Back

Original Proposal

Section: [F] 403.4.8.3, [F] 403.4.8.4

Proponent: Stephen DiGiovanni, representing Southern Nevada Chapter of ICC (sdigiovanni@clarkcountynv.gov)

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IFC COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

403.4.8.3 Standby power loads. The following are classified as standby power loads:

Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.6.
Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures.
Elevators.
Where elevators are provided in a high-rise building for accessible means of egress, fire service access or occupant self-evacuation, the standby power system shall also comply with Sections 1009.4, 3007 or 3008, as applicable.

403.4.8.4 Emergency power loads. The following are classified as emergency power loads:

Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10.
Elevator car lighting.
Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
Automatic fire detection systems.
Fire alarm systems.
Electrically powered fire pumps.
Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.6.

Reason: Given the importance of the fire command center in an emergency event it is imperative that the room be fully illuminated and powered to function properly during an emergency. This proposal attempts to ensure that all power and lighting in the fire command center is provided as quickly as possible to ensure continuity of operations in the fire command center should power be lost during an event.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This proposal will require improvements to the emergency power supply system for high-rise buildings.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The concept of moving power and lighting for the fire command center to emergency power load versus standby power load was seen as necessary and appropriate. The fire command center needs to be available for emergency operations with minimal delays.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G27-16	AS

Code Change No: G28-16

Back

Original Proposal

Section: [F] 405.8.1, [F] 405.8.2

Proponent: Stephen DiGiovanni, Clark County Building Department, representing Southern Nevada Chapter of ICC (sdigiovanni@clarkcountynv.gov)

Revise as follows:

405.8.1 Standby power loads. The following loads are classified as standby power loads:

Smoke control system.
Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures.
Fire pumps.
Elevators, as required in Section 3003.

[F] 405.8.2 Emergency power loads. The following loads are classified as emergency power loads:

Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
Fire alarm systems.
Automatic fire detection systems.
Elevator car lighting.
Means of egress and exit sign illumination as required by Chapter 10. 6. Electrically powered fire pumps.

Reason: In the 2015 IBC, Section 403.4.8 (High-rise buildings), the redundant power source requirements for electrically powered fire pumps was changed from stand-by power to emergency power. This proposed change applies the same requirement to Underground Buildings.

Note: It is possible for a single building to qualify as both an underground building and a high-rise building. As such, these provisions should be consistent between the two requirement sets to avoid potential design conflicts.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This proposal will increase the cost of construction as it requires improved performance for the back-up power for underground buildings.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

405.8.2 Emergency power loads. The following loads are classified as emergency power loads:

Emergency voice/alarm communications systems
Fire alarm systems.
Automatic fire detection systems.
Elevator car lighting.
Means of egress and exit sign illumination as required by Chapter 10
Electrically powered Fire pumps.

Committee Reason: The committee agreed that fire pumps should be located within emergency power loads versus standby power loads as they should be immediately available in underground buildings. One concern was the specification of "electrically powered fire pumps" although there are pumps that are not electrically powered there are elements that are key to the operation of the pump that may require power. A modification was made to remove the terms "electrically powered" to address this concern.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G28-16	AM

Back

Code Change No: G30-16

Original Proposal

Section: [F] 412.6, [F] 412.6.1, [F] 412.6.3, [F]412.6.7 (New), [F]412.6.7.1 (New), [F]412.6.7.2 (New)

Proponent: Michael O'Brian, representing Fire Code Action Committee (fcac@iccsafe.org)

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IFC COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

[F] 412.6 Aircraft paint hangars. Aircraft painting operations where flammable liquids are used in excess of the maximum allowable quantities per control area listed in Table 307.1(1) shall be conducted in an aircraft paint hangar that complies with the provisions of Sections 412.6.1 through 412.6.6
412.6.7. Buildings and structures, or parts thereof, used for the application of flammable finishes shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 416.

[F] 412.6.1 Occupancy group classfication. Aircraft paint hangars shall be classified as Group H-2 in accordance with the provisions of Section 307.1. Aircraft paint hangars shall comply with the applicable requirements of this code and the International Fire Code for such occupancy.

[F] 412.6.3 Operations Spray equiment cleaning operations. Only those flammable liquids necessary for painting operations shall be permitted in quantities less than the maximum allowable quantities
per control area in Table 307.1(1).

Spray equipment cleaning operations shall be conducted in a liquid use, dispensing and mixing room.

Add new text as follows:

[F]412.6.7 Electrical. Electrical equipment and devices within the aircraft paint hangar shall comply with NFPA 70.

[F]412.6.7.1 Class I, Division I hazardous (classified) locations. The area within 10 feet horizontally from aircraft surfaces and from the floor to 10 feet above the aircraft surface shall be classified as a Class I, Division I location.

[F]412.6.7.2 Class I, Division 2 hazardous (classified) locations. The area horizontally from aircraft surfaces between 10 feet and 30 feet and from the floor to 30 feet above the aircraft surface shall be classified as a Class I, Division 2 location.

Reason: There is currently a conflict in the International Building Code as regards the occupancy classification of aircraft paint hangars. Section 412.6.1 declares that aircraft paint hangars be classified as Group H-2 occupancies. However, Section 307.1.1, Item 1 allows for occupancies used for the application of flammable finishes that comply with IBC Section 416 and the International Fire Code to be classified as the occupancy that they most nearly resemble. This conflict is proposed to be resolved in favor of the specific Chapter 3 occupancy classification provisions. Those provisions are more comprehensive and in better technical context.
Several additional improvements have been made to Section 412.6. The appropriate reference to IBC Section 416 for all aircraft paint hangars regardless of occupancy classification has been added. Section 412.5.3 states, "Only those flammable liquids necessary for painting operations shall be permitted in quantities less than the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(1)." It makes no sense to stipulate a requirement to limit quantities of flammable liquids necessary for painting operations to less than the maximum allowable quantities in a Group H-2 occupancy as previously required in Section 412.6.1. The spray equipment cleaning operations requirements have been retained. Also, appropriate reference to NFPA 70 and hazardous (classified) locations are made in new Section 412.6.7.

Approval of this proposal will eliminate current conflicts that regulate the occupancy classification of aircraft paint hangars and will improve functionality of applicable technical requirements for these unique buildings.
This proposal is submitted by the ICC Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC). The FCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes with regard to fire safety and hazardous materials in new and existing buildings and facilities and the protection of life and property in wildland urban interface areas. In 2014 and 2015 the Fire-CAC has held 5 open meetings. In addition, there were numerous conference calls, Regional Work Group and Task Group meetings for the current code development cycle, which included members of the committees as well as any interested parties, to discuss and debate the proposed changes. Related documentation and reports are posted on the FCAC website
at: FCAC

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
This revision will decrease the cost of construction as the paint hangar will not need to be constructed as a Group H-2 occupancy.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal was approved as it clarifies how the occupancy classification requirements are to apply to these hangers and removes contradictions created in the current language with regard MAQs and spray finishing. Currently the IBC does not require spray finishing operations to apply MAQs and Group H occupancy classification requirements. This correlates this section with that concept.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G30-16	AS

Back

Code Change No: G31-16

Original Proposal

Section: [F] 412.6.3, [F] 412.6.4

Proponent: Gregory Keith, representing The Boeing Company (grkeith@mac.com)

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IFC COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

[F] 412.6.3 Operations. Only those flammable liquids necessary for painting operations shall be permitted in quantities less than the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(1). Spray equipment cleaning operations exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(1) shall be conducted in a liquid use, dispensing and mixing room.

[F] 412.6.4 Storage. Storage of flammable or combustible liquids exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(1) shall be in a liquid storage room.

Reason: The current spray equipment cleaning operations provisions in Section 412.6.3 that such operations be conducted in a liquid use, dispensing and mixing room and storage provisions in Section 412.6.4 requiring a liquid storage roomare fairly absolute. The Section 412.6.3 specific requirement overlooks two important aspects. First, flammable or combustible liquids may not be used in the cleaning operation. Many new solvents in use today are not flammable nor combustible and many companies are utilizing these products in an effort to avoid environmental restrictions. Secondly, spray equipment can often be cleaned using minimal amounts of flammable or combustible solvents not in excess of maximum allowable quantities. In either event, the requirement for spray equipment cleaning operations to be conducted in a liquid use, dispensing and mixing room is unduly restrictive and unnecessary.
Similarly, Section 412.6.4 assumes storage of flammable liquids in amounts in excess of the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(1) which may or may not be the case.
Approval of this proposal would align the aircraft paint hangar spray equipment cleaning and storage provisions with the fundamental system of classifying hazardous areas in accordance with Section 307.1 and result in more consistent application of International Fire Code and International Building Code provisions.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Approval would reduce the cost of construction for facilities where quantities of flammable and combustible liquids less than the maximum allowable quantity per control are used or stored.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal was approved based upon the proponent's reason statement.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G31-16	AS

Code Change No: G32-16

Original Proposal

Section(s):	423.1, 423.1.1, 423.2, 423.3, 423.4, 1604.5

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org); Marc Levitan, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (marc.levitan@nist.gov); Andrew Herseth, representing Federal Emergency Management Agency (andrew.herseth@fema.dhs.gov)

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

General. In addition to other applicable requirements in this code, storm shelters shall be constructed in accordance with ICC 500. Buildings or structures that are designated as emergency shelters by the emergency management official having jurisdiction shall also comply with Table 1604.5. 

423.1.1 Scope. This section applies to the construction of storm shelters constructed as separate detached buildings or constructed as safe rooms within buildings for the purpose of providing safe refuge from storms that produce high winds, such as tornados and hurricanes. Such structures shall be designated to be hurricane shelters, tornado shelters, or combined hurricane and tornado shelters.

Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

STORM SHELTER.
Community storm shelter. Residential storm shelter.

Critical emergency operations. In areas where the shelter design wind speed for tornados in accordance with Figure 304.2(1) of ICC 500 is 250 MPH, 911 call stations, emergency operation centers and fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations shall have comply with Table 1604.5 and shall be provided with a storm shelter constructed in accordance with ICC 500.

Exception: Buildings meeting the requirements for shelter design in ICC 500.

Group E occupancies. In areas where the shelter design wind speed for tornados is 250 MPH in accordance with Figure 304.2(1) of ICC 500, all Group E occupancies with an aggregate occupant load of 50 or more shall have a storm shelter constructed in accordance with ICC 500. The shelter shall be capable of housing the total occupant load of the Group E occupancy.

Exceptions:

Group E day care facilities.
Group E occupancies accessory to places of religious worship.
Buildings meeting the requirements for shelter design in ICC 500.

1604.5 Risk category. Each building and structure shall be assigned a risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5. Where a referenced standard specifies an occupancy category, the risk category shall not be taken as lower than the occupancy category specified therein. Where a referenced standard specifies

that the assignment of a risk category be in accordance with ASCE 7, Table 1.5-1, Table 1604.5 shall be used in lieu of ASCE 7, Table 1.5-1.
TABLE 1604.5
RISK CATEGORY OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
RISK CATEGORY	NATURE OF OCCUPANCY	

I	Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:	
	Agricultural facilities.	
	Certain temporary facilities.	
	Minor storage facilities.	
II	Buildings and other structures except those listed in Risk Categories I, III and IV.	

III	Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:	
	Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.	
	Buildings and other structures containing Group E occupancies with an occupant load greater than 250.	
	Buildings and other structures containing educational occupancies for students above the 12th grade with an occupant load greater than 500.	
	Group I-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more resident care recipients but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.	
	Group I-3 occupancies.	
	Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000.a	
	Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable water, wastewater treatment facilities and other public utility facilities not included in Risk Category IV.	
	Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials that:	
	Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance with the International Fire Code; and	
	Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if releasedb	

IV	Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to:	
	Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.	
	Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency vehicle garages.	
	Designatedc emergency shelters including earthquake or community storm, hurricane or other emergency shelters for use during and immediately after an event.	
	Designatedc emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers and other facilities required for emergency response.	
	Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities required as emergency backup facilities for Risk Category IV structures.	
	Buildings and other structures containing quantities of highly toxic materials that:	
	Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance with the International Fire Code; and	
	Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if releasedb	
	Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency aircraft hangars.	
	Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions.	
	Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.	
For purposes of occupant load calculation, occupancies required by Table 1004.1.2 to use gross floor area calculations shall be permitted to use net floor areas to determine the total occupant load.
Where approved by the building official, the classification of buildings and other structures as Risk Category III or IV based on their quantities of toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is permitted to be reduced to Risk Category II, provided it can be

demonstrated by a hazard assessment in accordance with Section 1.5.3 of ASCE 7 that a release of the toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is not sufficient to pose a threat to the public.
As designated by the emergency management official having jurisdiction.

Reason: The purpose of this code change is to clarify which types of shelters are required to be assigned to Risk Category IV per Table 1604.5 and who is responsible for providing the designation.
Risk categories are assigned to buildings to account for consequences and risks to human life (building occupants) in the event of a building failure. The intent is to assign higher risk categories, and hence higher design criteria, to buildings or structures that, if they experience a failure, would inhibit the availability of essential community services necessary to cope with an emergency situation and therefore have grave consequences to either the building occupants or the population around the building or structure that relies upon the provided services (such as a power station).
Table 1604.5 of the IBC, which was originally copied from Table 1.5-1 of ASCE 7 and has existed in the IBC since the 2000 edition, includes under Risk Category IV "Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters". This item has always meant shelters that are used both during and immediately after an event. The item is amended to clarify that both uses apply.
Additionally, with the introduction of ICC-500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters (ICC 500) in 2008, and subsequently in 2014, the term 'hurricane shelter' is now used in Section 423 of the IBC and throughout ICC 500. Without the clarification of the word 'community' proposed above, ALL hurricane shelters would have to be Risk Category IV, even residential hurricane shelters (shelters provided in dwelling units and having an occupant load not exceeding 16 persons), which does not meet the intent of Risk Category IV buildings.
Furthermore, with the introduction of ICC 500, the term 'storm shelter' has become a defined term and includes tornado shelters in addition to hurricane shelters, both of which are emergency shelters and as such meet the spirit and intent of being Risk Category IV structures.
The addition of footnote C is intended to provide clarification and meaning to the term 'designated' provided in the table; without this added footnote one may ask, 'designated by whom?' Another observed issue with the term 'designated', is that the designation often comes well after the building is designed and built, which is too late to incorporate the structural design provision of Risk Category IV. This clarification will lead to pre-design involvement of the emergency management official having jurisdiction, whom is typically the one that designates emergency shelters.
It is noted that, starting with the 2010 edition of ASCE 7, Table 1.5-1 no longer provides bulleted lists of the types of buildings that fall under each Risk Category. It was the decision of the ASCE 7 committee that Table 1.5-1 should only provide the general criteria, and that Table 1604.5 of the IBC should detail the specific occupancies or uses that fall under each Risk Category as decided on by the stakeholders and participants in the ICC code development process.
The ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC) is a co-proponent of this proposal. BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof. In 2014 and 2015 the BCAC has held 5 open meetings. In addition, there were numerous Working Group meetings and conference calls for the current code development cycle, which included members of the committee as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: BCAC

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
As this is intended as a clarification only, the cost of construction will not be increased.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: While there is support for the concept of clarifying the assignment of risk category to shelters, the proposed wording was felt to be confusing. The proposal would introduce undefined terms into the IBC, designating people to do things who are not under the control of the building official. The new wording proposed in Section 423.1 is problematic, naming an emergency management official and suggesting that only such buildings comply with Table 1604.5 when, in fact, all buildings need to comply. With respect to the building code the actual chain of command for emergency management in any locale is not known.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

423.1 General. In addition to other applicable requirements in this code, storm shelters shall be constructed in accordance with ICC
500. Buildings or structures that are also designated as emergency shelters by the emergency management official having jurisdiction shall also comply with Table 1604.5 as Risk Category IV structures.

423.1.1 Scope. This section applies to the construction of storm shelters constructed as separate detached buildings or constructed as safe rooms within buildings for the purpose of providing safe refuge from storms that produce high winds, such as tornados and hurricanes during the storm. Such structures shall be designated to be hurricane shelters, tornado shelters, or combined hurricane and tornado shelters. Design of facilities for use as emergency shelters after the storm are outside the scope of ICC 500 and shall comply with Table 1604.5 as a Risk Category IV Structure.

Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

STORM SHELTER.
Community storm shelter. Residential storm shelter.

Critical emergency operations. In areas where the shelter design wind speed for tornados in accordance with Figure 304.2(1) of ICC 500 is 250 MPH, 911 call stations, emergency operation centers and fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations shall comply with Table 1604.5 as a Risk Category IV structure and shall be provided with a storm shelter constructed in accordance with ICC 500.

Exception: Buildings meeting the requirements for shelter design in ICC 500.

Commenter's Reason: The intent of the original code change proposal was to simply clarify that shelters built for protection during wind storms in accordance with ICC500-14 are not emergency shelters that are required to be designed as Risk Category IV structures in accordance with Section 1604.5. The committee disapproved this proposal because the proposed text introduced requirements for an emergency management official to designate an emergency shelter. It was not the intent of the BCAC to create requirements for emergency personnel and introduce some level of management for emergency shelters. Therefore, this public comment is intended to remove the reference to emergency management officials in Section 423.1 and instead install language in Section 423.1.1 that simply clarifies the scope of ICC500. In addition, in Section 423.3 the phrase "as a Risk Category IV structure" is added to clarify how this type of structure is required to comply with Table 1604.5.
This public comment is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance assigned International Codes or portions thereof. Between 2014 and 2016 the BCAC has held 8 open meetings. In addition, there were numerous Working Group meetings and conference calls for the current code development cycle, which included members of the committee as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed public comments. Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: BCAC

Final Action Results

G32-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G35-16

Original Proposal

Section(s):	[F] 2702.1.7; IFC: 604.1.7

Proponent: Gregory Wilson (gregory.wilson2@fema.dhs.gov); Rebecca Quinn, representing Federal Emergency Management Agency (rcquinn@earthlink.net)

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IFC COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

2015 International Building Code
Revise as follows:

[F] 2702.1.7 Group I-2 occupancies. In Group I-2 occupancies, in new construction or where the building is substantially damaged, where an essential electrical system is located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 where new or replacement essential electrical systems are installed,
the system systems shall be located and installed in accordance with ASCE 24. Where connections for hook up of temporary generators are provided, the connections shall be located at or above the elevation required in ASCE 24.

2015 International Fire Code

Revise as follows:

604.1.7 Group I-2 occupancies. In Group I-2 occupancies, where an essential electrical system is located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 of the International Building Code
and where new or replacement essential electrical system generators systems are installed, the system systems shall be located and installed in accordance with ASCE 24. Where connections for hook up of temporary generators are provided, the connections shall be located at or above the elevation required in ASCE 24.

Reason: This proposal does two things to combine texts in two codes to produce the same phrasing in both sections, which was the original intent when these sections were approved for the 2015 editions. The differences between IBC 2702.1.7 and IFC 604.1.7 were brought to the attention of ICC staff several months ago.
First, the proposal makes the requirement apply to new and replacement essential electrical systems. Second, it makes the requirement apply to essential electrical systems, not just "essential electrical system generators" because a generator is a part of an essential electrical system. The term "essential electrical system" is used in the IBC and IFC, but defined in NFPA 99.
The proposal adds a requirement related to hook up of temporary generators. Hook ups should be above the required flood elevation (i.e., at or above the same elevation as the building's lowest floor or dry floodproofing level), otherwise if inundated, the hook ups may not be functional and readily when floodwater rises to that elevation.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction Intent is to make the sections consistent.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Disapproved
Committee Reason: The committee disapproved the proposal based upon a concern that the requirements may be too restrictive for existing buildings.

Assembly Action:	None

Public Comments

Public Comment 1:
Gregory Wilson (gregory.wilson2@fema.dhs.gov); Rebecca Quinn, representing Federal Emergency Management Agency (rcquinn@earthlink.net) requests Approve as Modified by this Public Comment.

Modify as follows:

2015 International Building Code

[F] 2702.1.7 Group I-2 occupancies. In Group I-2 occupancies located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 where new or replacement essential electrical systems are installed, and where new essential electrical system generators are installed, the systems and generators shall be located and installed in accordance with ASCE 24.  Where connections for hook  up of temporary generators are provided, the connections shall be located at or above the elevation required in ASCE 24.

2015 International Fire Code

604.1.7 Group I-2 occupancies. In Group I-2 occupancies located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 of the International Building Code where new or replacement essential electrical systems are installed, and where new essential electrical system generators are installed, the systems and generators shall be located and installed in accordance with ASCE
24. Where connections for hook up of temporary generators are provided, the connections shall be located at or above the elevation required in ASCE 24.

Commenter's Reason: Opposition to the proposal centered on whether the requirement should apply to both new and replacement systems and generators. This comment modification removes replacement, thus the requirements would apply only to new installations. When existing buildings in flood hazard areas are proposed to be substantially improved or repaired after substantial damage, they must be brought into compliance with the requirements of Section 1612, which refers to ASCE 24. When that occurs, existing systems and generators would be included in those elements that have to be brought into compliance.

Final Action Results

G35-15	AMPC1

Code Change No: G36-16

Original Proposal

Section: [F] 2702.2.5 (New); IFGC: [M] 614.10; IMC: 504.10, 505.3

Proponent: Edward Kulik, representing Building Code Action Committee (bcac@iccsafe.org), Adolph Zubia, representating IAFC Fire & Life Safety Section

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IFC COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Add new text as follows:

[F] 2702.2.5 Exhaust systems. Standby power shall be provided for common exhaust systems for domestic kitchens located in multistory structures as required in Section 505.3 of the International Mechanical Code. Standby power shall be provided for common exhaust systems for clothes dryers located in multistory structures as required in Section 504.10 of the International Mechanical Code and Section 614.10 of the International Fuel Gas Code.

2015 International Mechanical Code

Revise as follows:

Common exhaust systems for clothes dryers located in multistory structures. Where a common multistory duct system is designed and installed to convey exhaust from multiple clothes dryers, the construction of the system shall be in accordance with all of the following:

The shaft in which the duct is installed shall be constructed and fire-resistance rated as required by the International Building Code.
Dampers shall be prohibited in the exhaust duct. Penetrations of the shaft and ductwork shall be protected in accordance with Section 607.5.5, Exception 2.
Rigid metal ductwork shall be installed within the shaft to convey the exhaust. The ductwork shall be constructed of sheet steel having a minimum thickness of 0.0187 inch (0.4712 mm)(No. 26 gage) and in accordance with SMACNA Duct Construction Standards.
The ductwork within the shaft shall be designed and installed without offsets.
The exhaust fan motor design shall be in accordance with Section 503.2.
The exhaust fan motor shall be located outside of the airstream.
The exhaust fan shall run continuously, and shall be connected to a standby power source in accordance with Section 2702 of the International Building Code.
Exhaust fan operation shall be monitored in an approved location and shall initiate an audible or visual signal when the fan is not in operation.
Makeup air shall be provided for the exhaust system.
A cleanout opening shall be located at the base of the shaft to provide access to the duct to allow for cleaning and inspection. The finished opening shall be not less than 12 inches by 12 inches (305 mm by 305 mm).
Screens shall not be installed at the termination.
The common multistory duct system shall serve only clothes dryers and shall be independent of other exhaust systems.

Common exhaust systems for domestic kitchens located in multistory structures. Where a common multistory duct system is designed and installed to convey exhaust from multiple domestic kitchen exhaust systems, the construction of the system shall be in accordance with all of the following:

The shaft in which the duct is installed shall be constructed and fire-resistance rated as required by the International Building Code.
Dampers shall be prohibited in the exhaust duct, except as specified in Section 505.1. Penetrations of the shaft and ductwork shall be protected in accordance with Section 607.5.5, Exception 2.
Rigid metal ductwork shall be installed within the shaft to convey the exhaust. The ductwork shall be constructed of sheet steel having a minimum thickness of 0.0187 inch (0.4712 mm)(No. 26 gage) and in accordance with SMACNA Duct Construction Standards.
The ductwork within the shaft shall be designed and installed without offsets.
The exhaust fan motor design shall be in accordance with Section 503.2.
The exhaust fan motor shall be located outside of the airstream.
The exhaust fan shall run continuously, and shall be connected to a standby power source in accordance with Section 2702 of the Intenational Building Code.
Exhaust fan operation shall be monitored in an approved location and shall initiate an audible or visual signal when the fan is not in operation.
Where the exhaust rate for an individual kitchen exceeds 400 cfm (0.19 m3/s) makeup air shall be provided in accordance with Section 505.2.
A cleanout opening shall be located at the base of the shaft to provide access to the duct to allow for cleanout and inspection. The finished openings shall be not less than 12 inches by 12 inches (305 mm by 305 mm).
Screens shall not be installed at the termination.
The common multistory duct system shall serve only kitchen exhaust and shall be independent of other exhaust systems.

2015 International Fuel Gas Code

Revise as follows:

614.10 Common exhaust systems for clothes dryers located in multistory structures. Where a common multistory duct system is designed and installed to convey exhaust from multiple clothes dryers, the construction of such system shall be in accordance with all of the following:

The shaft in which the duct is installed shall be constructed and fire-resistance rated as required by the International Building Code.
Dampers shall be prohibited in the exhaust duct. Penetrations of the shaft and ductwork shall be protected in accordance with Section 607.5.5, Exception 2, of the International Mechanical Code.
Rigid metal ductwork shall be installed within the shaft to convey the exhaust. The ductwork shall be constructed of sheet steel having a minimum thickness of 0.0187 inch (0.471 mm) (No. 26 gage) and in accordance with SMACNA Duct Construction Standards.
The ductwork within the shaft shall be designed and installed without offsets.
The exhaust fan motor design shall be in accordance with Section 503.2 of the International Mechanical Code.
The exhaust fan motor shall be located outside of the airstream.
The exhaust fan shall run continuously, and shall be connected to a standby power source in accordance with Section 2702 of the International Building Code.
The exhaust fan operation shall be monitored in an approved location and shall initiate an audible or visual signal when the fan is not in operation.
Makeup air shall be provided for the exhaust system.
A cleanout opening shall be located at the base of the shaft to provide access to the duct to allow for cleaning and inspection. The finished opening shall be not less than 12 inches by 12 inches (305 mm by 305 mm).

Screens shall not be installed at the termination.

Reason:
Kulik: This public proposal is submitted by the ICC Building Code Action Committee (BCAC). The BCAC was established by the ICC Board of Directors to pursue opportunities to improve and enhance an assigned International Code or portion thereof. This includes both the technical aspects of the codes as well as the code content in terms of scope and application of referenced standards. Since its inception in July, 2011, the BCAC has held 13 open meetings and numerous workgroup calls which included members of the BCAC as well as any interested party to discuss and debate the proposed changes and the public comments.
Related documentation and reports are posted on the BCAC website at: http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/BCAC/Pages/default.aspx. Last cycle proposal F59-13 reorganized the ICC emergency and standby power requirements so they can be applied more consistently. The concept was that IBC Section 2702 would include the general standby and emergency power requirements and individual code sections would dictate the power duration and other specific details, and cross reference IBC Section 2702.
The requirements for standby power for the common exhaust for domestic kitchens and clothes dryers located in multistory structures in the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code are the only remaining references to standby power in the ICC family of codes that do not include these cross references, since F59-13 was introduced as a Group B proposal last cycle. This proposal adds the cross references needed to harmonize the standby power requirements.
This proposal was also submitted by Fire and Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Code Change Item F59-13 was previously approved and reorganized the emergency and standby power requirements to maintain consistency between the various I-Codes. The concept of that code change was for IBC Section 2702 to include the general emergency and standby power requirements, while individual code sections would dictate the required duration and other specific details and provide a reference to IBC Section 2702.
The IMC and IFGC requirements for standby power for common exhaust systems serving domestic kitchens and clothes dryers in multistory structures are the only remaining I-Code sections which do not include a reference to IBC Section 2702. This occurred because F59-13 was introduced as a Group B code change item and it missed the Group A cycle.
This proposal will finish the correlation process started by F59-13. These are the last outstanding items to complete the correlation of emergency and standby power requirements.

Zubia: This proposal is submitted by Fire and Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Code Change Item F59-13 was previously approved and reorganized the emergency and standby power requirements to maintain consistency between the various I-Codes. The concept of that code change was for IBC Section 2702 to include the general emergency and standby power requirements, while individual code sections would dictate the required duration and other specific details and provide a reference to IBC Section 2702.
The IMC and IFGC requirements for standby power for common exhaust systems serving domestic kitchens and clothes dryers in multistory structures are the only remaining I-Code sections which do not include a reference to IBC Section 2702. This occurred because F59-13 was introduced as a Group B code change item and it missed the Group A cycle.
This proposal will finish the correlation process started by F59-13. These are the last outstanding items to complete the correlation of emergency and standby power requirements.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction
Kulik: This proposal will not increase the cost of construction if the standby power for the exhaust fan is provided in accordance with the provisions in IBC Section 2702. This proposal has the potential to increase the cost of construction if the standby power source is designed to lesser requirements.

Zubia: This proposal does not add any new requirements. It merely provides correlation with other requirements currently in the I- Codes.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: This proposal provides the necessary link in Chapter 27 of the IBC and Section 604 of the IFC for standby power for multistory common exhaust systems as required by the IMC and IFGC.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G36-16	AS

Code Change No: G37-16

Original Proposal

Section: [F] 2702.2.10; IFC: 604.2.10

Proponent: John Woestman, Kellen Company, representing Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) (jwoestman@kellencompany.com)

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IFC COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

[F] 2702.2.10 Horizontal Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion, or folding doors. Standby power shall be provided for special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors as required in Section 1010.1.4.3. The standby power supply shall have a capacity to operate not fewer than 50 closing cycles of the door.

2015 International Fire Code

Revise as follows:

604.2.10 Horizontal Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion, or folding doors. Standby power shall be provided for special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors as required in Section 1010.1.4.3. The standby power supply shall have a capacity to operate not fewer than 50 closing cycles of the door.

Reason: This proposal updates references to IBC 1010.1.4.3. Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors as the name of this section and related text were revised for the 2015 IBC and IFC. Most of the references to 1010.1.4.3 were updated for the 2015 IBC and IFC. These were not.

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction No technical changes.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Submitted

Committee Reason: The proposal provides correlation with the IBC for these types of doors that had been missed in the 2015 edition as it relates to standby power.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G37-16	AS

Back

Code Change No: G40-16

Original Proposal

Section: 3306.2

Proponent: Stephen DiGiovanni, Clark County Building Department, representing Southern Nevada Chapter of ICC (sdigiovanni@clarkcountynv.gov)

THIS CODE CHANGE WIILL BE HEARD BY THE IBC STRUCTURAL COMMITTEE. SEE THE HEARING ORDER FOR THIS COMMITTEE.

Revise as follows:

3306.2 Walkways. A walkway shall be provided for pedestrian travel in front of every construction and demolition site unless the applicable governing authority 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 and shall be designed to support all imposed loads and in no case shall the design live load be less than 150 pounds per square foot (psf) (7.2 kN/m2). Walkways that lead to a building entrance of an occupied structure where the general public is at risk due to falling construction debris shall be protected from such debris.

Reason: The code provisions are based upon an assumption where the building or structure is completely contained within the construction site with no access by the general public. There are some perceptions that this code provision only applies to "the public right of way". Structures which are under renovation and still open to the public often have private property walkways leading to the entrances of the building and are not subject to the pedestrian protection provisions in the published 2015 IBC. The same hazards which require protection of pedestrians at the public sidewalk may be present on the private property and should be subject to the same protection afforded to those persons on a public sidewalk.

Cost Impact: Will increase the cost of construction
This proposal adds a requirement for overhead protection of construction debris to protect pedestrians on private property, which may lead to increased construction costs.

Report of Committee Action Hearings

Committee Action:	Approved as Modified

Modify as follows:

3306.2 Walkways. A walkway shall be provided for pedestrian travel in front of every construction and demolition site unless the applicable governing authority authorizes the sidewalk to be fenced or closed. A walkway shall be provided for pedestrian travel that leads from a building entrance or exit of an occupied structure to a public way. 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 and shall be designed to support all imposed loads and in no case shall the design live load be less than 150 pounds per square foot (psf) (7.2 kN/m2). Walkways that lead to a building entrance of an occupied structure where the general public is at risk due to falling construction debris shall be protected from such debris.

Committee Reason: This proposal corrects an oversight in the provision for walkways at construction sites. The modification further clarifies the intent and uses wording that is more in line with the current text.

Assembly Action	None

Final Action Results

G40-16	AM

2018 IBC (General) Overlapping Provisions

G133-15

Back

Table 1006.2.1 Space with one exist or exit access doorway. Revise as follow:

Change the “Maximum occupant load of space” for both “R-2” and “R-3” from “10” to “49”.

OCCUPANCY	WITHOUT SPRINKLER SYSTEM
(feet)	WITH SPRINKLER SYSTEM	
A, E, F-1, M, R, S-	200	250b	
S-1	200		400b		
No change to the remaining text within the table and footnotes

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505.2.1 Area limitation. (No Change)

Exceptions:

1. – 2. (No Change)

3.	In sprinklered Group S2 occupancies of Type III construction, the enclosed and unenclosed areas under mezzanines shall be allowed to be included when calculating the permissible size of mezzanines.

G138-15

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505.2.1 Area limitation. (No Change)

Exceptions:

1. – 2. (No Change)

3.	In sprinklered Group S2 occupancies of Type III construction, the enclosed and unenclosed areas under mezzanines shall be allowed to be included when calculating the permissible size of mezzanines.

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3007.6 Fire service access elevator lobby. The fire service access elevator shall open into a fire service access elevator lobby in accordance with Sections 3007.6.1 through 3007.6.5. Egress is permitted through the elevator lobby in accordance with Item 1 if Section 1016.2.
Exceptions:

Where a fire service access elevator has two entrances onto a floor, the second entrance shall be permitted to open into an elevator lobby in accordance with Section
3007.6.1.

Where a fire service access elevator is required, a 1-hour fire-rated fire service access elevator lobby with direct access from the fire service access elevator is not required if the fire service access elevator opens into an exit access corridor that is no less than 6  feet wide for its entire length and is at least 150 square feet with the exception of door openings, and has a minimum 1-hour fire rating with three- quarter hour fire and smoke rated openings; and during a fire event the fire service access elevator is pressurized and floor- to-floor smoke control is provided.

Exception:	Where transient residential occupancies occur at floor levels more than 420 feet above the level of fire service access, a 1-hour fire-rated service access elevator lobby with direct access from the fire service access elevator is required.

3007.9.1 Access. The exit enclosure containing the standpipe shall have access to the floor without passing through the fire service access elevator lobby.

Exception: Group R1 and R2 occupancy buildings. Standpipes in high-rise buildings of Group R1 or R2 must be located in stairwells and are subject only to the requirements of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems, adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

G220-15

3105.3.4.1

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Fabric used for awnings or fabric-covered frames shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 or have a flame spread index not greater than 25 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723.

Exception: Awnings or fabric-covered frames used in conjunction with Group R-3 occupancies.

3105.3.4.2

Supports for fabric awnings and fabric-covered frame shall be of metal or similar durable material.

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SECTION 458 MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS

Change Section 458.1 to read as shown:
458.1 General. The following administrative requirements for inspection and plan review apply to manufactured buildings including factory-built schools. Additional technical requirements for factory-built schools can be found in Section 453.
Note: See Department of Business and Professional Regulation Rule 61-41 9B-1, Florida Administrative Code and Chapter 553, Florida Statutes.

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TABLE 1604.5
RISK CATEGORY OF BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES

RISK
CATEGORY	NATURE OF OCCUPANCY	

I	Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

Agricultural facilities.

Certain temporary facilities.

Minor storage facilities.

Screen enclosures.	
II	Buildings and other structures except those listed in Risk Categories I, III
and IV	

III	Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.

Buildings and other structures containing Group E occupancies with an occupant load greater than 250.

Buildings and other structures containing educational occupancies for	

	students above he 12th grade with an occupant load greater than 500.

Group I-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more resident care recipients but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.

Group I-3 occupancies.

Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000a.

Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable water, waste water treatment facilities and other public utility facilities not included in Risk Category IV.

Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials	that:

Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance with the
International Florida Fire Prevention Code; and	
	
Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if releasedb.	

IV	Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to:

Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.

Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency vehicle garages.

Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters.

Designated emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers and other facilities required for emergency response.

Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities required as emergency backup facilities for Risk Category IV structures.

Buildings and other structures containing quantities of highly toxic materials that:

Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance with the International Florida Fire Prevention Code; and	

	Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if releasedb.

Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency aircraft hangars.

Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions.

Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.	

For purposes of occupant load calculation, occupancies required by Table 1004.1.2 to use gross floor area calculations shall be permitted to use net floor areas to determine the total occupant load.

Where approved by the building official, the classification of buildings and other structures as Risk Category III or IV based on their quantities of toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is permitted to be reduced to Risk Category II, provided it can be demonstrated by a hazard assessment in accordance with Section 1.5.3 of ASCE 7 that a release of the toxic, highly toxic or explosive materials is not sufficient to pose a threat to the public.