Issue: DCA08-DEC-357 by Fred S. Cardwell, P.E.  The Petitioner is requesting clarification with regard to Sections 1502.1 and 1017.  The Petitioner provides for the following questions:

 

Question #1:  As an engineer in the State of Florida be required to show on his plans underlayment per code / or not show underlayment as per Atlas Roofing Corporation’s letter, which is enclosed.

 

Question #2:  Does the Utility Lawn Storage Shed need to comply with 1003.1 for minimum headroom of 80”?

 

 

Background:

 

Situation:  Mr. Cardwell is the Engineer of Record for a number of clients currently approved as manufacturers under the State Manufactured Building Program.   Mr. Cardwell’s clients construct lawn storage sheds “see attached drawings” which are used as an accessory to single family residential homes or commercial establishments such as, McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger king, and contractors to store supplies and equipment. 

Roof covering: asphalt roof shingle with slope of 12/2 and 4/12.  See also enclosed, ATLAS Roof Corporation recommendation.

 

2004 Florida Building Code, Building:

 

104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment.

The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. When alternate life safety systems are designed, the SFPE Engineering Guide to Performance-Based Fire Protection Analysis and Design of Buildings, or other methods approved by the building official may be used. The building official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claim made regarding the alternative.

 

1507.1 Scope.

Roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

1507.2 Asphalt shingles.

The installation of asphalt shingles shall comply with the provisions of this section.

1507.2.1 Deck requirements.

Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed decks.

1507.2.2 Slope.

Asphalt shingles shall only be used on roof slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope) or greater. For roof slopes from two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope) up to four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope), double underlayment application is required in accordance with Section 1507.2.8.

1507.2.3 Underlayment.

Unless otherwise noted, required underlayment shall conform to ASTM D 226, Type I or Type II, or ASTM D 4869 Type I or Type I.

1507.2.8 Underlayment application.

For roof slopes from two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope), up to four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope), underlayment shall be two layers applied in the following manner. Apply a minimum 19-inch-wide (483 mm) strip of underlayment felt parallel with and starting at the eaves, fastened sufficiently to hold in place. Starting at the eave, apply 36-inch-wide (914 mm) sheets of underlayment overlapping successive sheets 19 inches (483 mm) and fastened sufficiently to hold in place. For roof slopes of four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope) or greater, underlayment shall be one layer applied in the following manner. Underlayment shall be applied shingle fashion, parallel to and starting from the eave and lapped 2 inches (51 mm), fastened only as necessary to hold in place.

 

102.1 General.

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

 

1003.2 Ceiling height.

The means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm).

Exceptions:

1.         Sloped ceilings in accordance with Section 1208.2.

2.         Ceilings of dwelling units and sleeping units within residential occupancies in accordance with Section 1208.2.

3.         Allowable projections in accordance with Section 1003.3.

4.         Stair headroom in accordance with Section 1009.2.

5.         Door height in accordance with Section 1008.1.1.

 

1003.3.1 Headroom.

Protruding objects are permitted to extend below the minimum ceiling height required by Section 1003.2 provided minimum headroom of 80 inches (2032 mm) shall be provided for any walking surface, including walks, corridors, aisles and passageways. Not more than 50 percent of the ceiling area of a means of egress shall be reduced in height by protruding objects.

Exception: Door closers and stops shall not reduce headroom to less than 78 inches (1981 mm).

A barrier shall be provided where the vertical clearance is less than 80 inches (2032 mm) high. The leading edge of such a barrier shall be located 27 inches (686 mm) maximum above the floor.

 

2004 Florida Building Code, Residential:

 

R101.2 Scope.

The provisions of the Florida Building Code, Residential shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures.

 

R311.4 Doors.

R311.4.1 Exit door required.

Not less than one exit door conforming to this section shall be provided for each dwelling unit. The required exit door shall provide for direct access from the habitable portions of the dwelling to the exterior without requiring travel through a garage. Access to habitable levels not having an exit in accordance with this section shall be by a ramp in accordance with Section R311.6 or a stairway in accordance with Section R311.5.

R311.4.2 Door type and size.

The required exit door shall be a side-hinged door not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width and 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height. Other doors shall not be required to comply with these minimum dimensions

 

ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. In one- and two-family dwellings not more than three stories high with separate means of egress, a building, the use of which is incidental to that of the main building and which is located on the same lot.

 

 

Staff Recommendation:

 

Question #1:  As an engineer in the State of Florida be required to show on his plans underlayment per code / or not show underlayment as per Atlas Roofing Corporation’s letter, which is enclosed.

 

Answer:  As per Section 1507.2.8, underlayment is required.  In addition to the manufacturer’s recommendation, the code specific requirements of Section 1507.2.8 must be met.

 

 Question #2:  Does the Utility Lawn Storage Shed need to comply with 1003.1 for minimum headroom of 80”?

 

Answer:  A utility lawn storage shed must comply with Section 1003.1 for minimum headroom of 80” when constructed in accordance to the 2004 Florida Building Code, Building and R 311.4.1 when constructed as meeting the 2004 Florida Building Code, Residential.