1

Alternative/Historic Report (1)

A historic building undergoing repair, alteration or Change of Occupancy shall be investigated and evaluated. If it is intended that the building meet the requirements of this Chapter, a written Historic Report shall be prepared and filed with the Code Official by a registered design professional when such a report is necessary in the opinion of the Code Official.

1. Such report shall be in accordance with Chapter 1 and shall identify:

a. Where compliance with provisions of other chapters would damage the contributing historic character or contributing historic features.

b. Each required safety feature that is in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.

c. For those features proposed for retention but not in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, how the intent of these provisions is complied with in providing an equivalent level of safety.

d. If an automatic suppression system is to be installed, the type and extent of the proposed system.

Exception: For purposes of compliance with this Section, NFPA 914 Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures [and] NFPA 101 Alternative Approaches to Life Safety may be used for life safety features, provided these are documented in a report consistent with that described above.

2. For buildings in high seismic zones, the report shall include a structural evaluation describing, at minimum, a complete load path and other earthquake resistant features.

3. If the proposed project as documented in the report is not acceptable, the local Code Official will provide written comments and request review comments from the local or state historic preservation officer.

2

Tolerances, alternatives, equivalencies and modifications (2), (3)

1. The Code Official shall accept solutions established through the application of Tolerance Values, Alternatives, Equivalencies or Modifications that achieve an overall safety level equal to or exceeding that specified in the Code, provided that these are documented in the Historic Report.

2. Tolerance values are those within five percent (5%) variation of the prescriptive criteria that will have a de minimis impact on overall building safety and as required to achieve historic preservation objectives established in the Historic Report.

3

Alternative technologies (3)

Alarms, smoke and heat detection systems, annunciators, smoke control and modeling, exiting modeling and analysis and other technologies may be accepted by the jurisdiction when it can be shown or proven to provide equivalence to the requirements of the regular Code.

4

Liability (3)

Prevailing law regarding immunity of local officials is unaffected by the use and enforcement of this Code.

5

Review and appeals (3)

In order to provided for interpretation of the provisions of this Code and to hear appeals, the Historic Building Safety Board shall act as an appeal and review body to state and local agencies and any affected party.

6

Accessibility (1)

The accessibility provisions related to alterations and changes of occupancy shall apply unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with the requirements for accessible routes, ramps, entrances or toilet facilities would threaten or destroy the historic significance of the building or facility, as determined by the Code Official or the state historic preservation officer, the alternative requirements provided shall be permitted.

7

Building height (3)

The maximum height and number of stories of a historic building shall not be limited because of construction type, provided such height or number of stories does not exceed that of its historical design.

8

Building height – High-rise buildings (3)

Nonresidential and nonhazardous occupancy buildings over seventy-five (75) feet in height may be permitted with only the stories over seventy-five (75) feet provided with an automatic sprinkler system if:

1. The building construction type and the exits conform to the prevailing code;

2. A complete building fire alarm and annunciation system is installed; and

3. An area of separation is provided between floors where an automatic sprinkler system does not exist.

9

Building floor area (3), (7)

1. Regardless of the use or character of occupancy, the area of a one-story historical building shall not exceed fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet (1393.5 m2) unless such increase is otherwise permitted in the prevailing code.

2. Multi-story building, including basements and cellars: The allowable floor area for historic buildings shall be permitted to exceed the allowable areas specified in the prevailing code by twenty percent (20%).

Exception: Historic buildings provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system may be unlimited in floor area without fire-resistive area separation walls.

10

Height and area for change to higher hazard category (1)

When a Change of Occupancy is made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table 912.5, heights and areas of building and structure shall comply with the requirement of Chapter 5 of the Building Code for the new occupancy classification.

Exception: In other than Groups H, F-1 and S-1, in lieu of firewalls, use of fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less that two (2) hours constructed in accordance with Section 706 of the prevailing code shall be permitted to meet area limitations in buildings protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 of the Fire Code.

11

Door dimensions (5)

Exit doors with two leaves less than thirty-two (32) inches in width may remain, provided that the total door width measures at least thirty-six (36) inches and both leaves are easily operable.

12

Door hardware (1), (4)

Existing or replica hardware is permitted, provided that no life safety hazard is created and the hardware meets the intent of ICC/ANSI A117.1 for operation without causing pinching, grasping or twisting. Existing or replica hardware may be modified or fixed in place to meet the intent.

13

Doors – paneled and wood (1), (4), (7), (8)

1. Historic paneled doors located in corridors required to have a one (1) hour fire rating may remain provided that:

a. The doors are tight fitting;

b. The building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system; and

c. A quick-response sprinkler head is located at each side of the door. If the automatic sprinkler system is not other wise required, an NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D system is permitted.

2. Alternative methods of establishing an approximate fire rating of twenty (20) minutes for the above doors may be approved by the Code Official in accordance with certifications provided by nationally recognized testing facilities.

14

Door swing (4), (7), (8)

The front or main exit doors need not swing in the direction of the path of exit travel, provided that other approved means of egress having sufficient capacity to serve the total occupant load are provided.

Exception: Approval by the Code Official is required when the total occupant load is greater than fifty (50) persons.

15

Escape windows and doors (3), (7)

Basements in dwelling units and every sleeping room below the first floor shall have at least one (1) operable window or door approved for emergency escape which opens directly into a public street, public way, yard or exit court. Escape or rescue windows shall have a minimum clear area of 3.3 square feet (0.31 m2), a minimum width or height of eighteen (18) inches (457 mm) and be operable from the inside to provide a full, clear opening without the use of special tools.

Exception: Approval by Code Official required for buildings undergoing a Change of Occupancy in all hazard categories.

16

Number of exits (single-exit buildings) (1)

Every story utilized for human occupancy on which there is a work area that includes exits or corridors shared by more than one (1) tenant within the work area shall be provided with the minimum number of exits based on the occupancy and the occupant load in accordance with the Building Code. In addition, the exits shall comply with Sections 605.3.1.1 and 605.3.1.2.

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

2. Group B, F-2 and S-2 occupancies not more than two (2) stories in height that are not greater than three thousand (3,000) square feet per floor (279 m2), when the exit access travel distance does not exceed seventy-five (75) feet (22,860 mm): The minimum fire-resistance rating of the exit enclosure and of the opening protection shall be one (1) hour.

3. Open parking structures where vehicles are mechanically parked.

4. In buildings containing Group B, S-2 or M, the required building features in Table 605.3.1(1) shall be provided based upon the highest story occupied by the specific use group.

5. In buildings containing Group R-2 Apartment or Boarding Houses or R-3, the required building features in Table 605.3.1.1(2) shall be provided based upon the highest story occupied by the specific use group.

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

7. In buildings of Group R-2 occupancy that are equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system, a single exit shall be permitted from a basement or story below grade if every dwelling unit on that floor is equipped with an approved window providing a clear opening of at least four (4) square feet (.37 m2) in area, a minimum dimension of eighteen (18) inches (457 mm) in height with a bottom opening no higher than four (4) feet six (6) inches (1,372 mm) in a basement.

8. In buildings of Group R-3 occupancy equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system, only one (1) exit shall be required from basements or stories below grade.

17

Exit signs (7), (8)

Where the exit sign or egress path marking location would damage the historic character of the building, alternative exit signs or egress path markings are permitted with approval of the Code Official. Custom designed exit signs meeting the intent of the prevailing code shall be permitted.

18

Escape ladder – residential occupancies (3), (7)

Exit ladder devices that are permanently installed, fixed, folding, retractable or hinged ladders manufactured as a means of emergency egress may be used in areas serving an occupant load of less than six (6) persons on the second or third stories. Unless approved specifically for a longer length, the use shall be limited to twenty-five (25) feet (7,620 mm) in length.

Exception: Approval by Code Official required for buildings undergoing a Change of Occupancy in all hazard categories.

19

Means of egress – dimensions (2), (8)

Existing door and window openings and corridor and stairway widths less than those specified elsewhere in this Code may be approved, provided that there is sufficient width and height for a person to pass through the opening or traverse the means of egress.

Exception: Approval by Code Official required for buildings undergoing a Change of Occupancy in all hazard categories.

20

Fire escapes and exit ladders (3), (7)

Exits shall conform or be made to conform to the provisions of the regular code.

Exceptions:

1. New fire escapes and fire escape ladders which comply with Section 8.502.2 shall be acceptable as one of the required means of egress.

2. Existing previously approved fire escapes and fire escape ladders shall be acceptable as one of the required means of egress provided they extend to the ground and are easily negotiated, adequately signed and in good working order. Access shall be by an opening having a minimum dimension of twenty-nine (29) inches (737 mm) when open. No sill shall be more than thirty (30) inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor, landing or approved step.

3. Approval by Code Official required for buildings undergoing a Change of Occupancy in all hazard categories.

21

Fire escapes – new (3)

New fire escapes and new fire escape ladders shall comply with the following:

1. Access from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room.

2. All openings within 10 feet (3,048 mm) shall be protected by three-quarters (¾) hour fire assemblies. When located within a recess or vestibule, adjacent enclosure walls shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.

3. Egress from the building shall be by a clear opening having a minimum dimension of not less than twenty-nine (29) inches (737 mm). Such openings shall be operable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. The sill of an opening giving access shall not be more than thirty (30) inches (737 mm) above the floor, step or landing of the building or balcony.

4. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than one hundred (100) pounds per square foot and shall be provided with a top and intermediate hand rail on each side. The pitch of the stairway shall not exceed seventy-two (72) degrees with a minimum width of eighteen (18) inches (457 mm). Treads shall not be less than four (4) inches (102 mm) in width and the rise between treads shall not exceed ten (10) inches (254 mm). All stair and balcony railings shall support a horizontal force of not less than fifty (50) pounds per lineal foot (729.5N/m2) of railing.

5. Balconies shall not be less than forty-four (44) inches (1,118 mm) in width with no floor opening other than the stairway opening greater than five-eighths (⅝) inch in width. Stairway openings in such balconies shall not be less than twenty-two (22) inches by forty-four (44) inches (559 by 1,118 mm). The balustrade of each balcony shall not be less than thirty-six (36) inches (914 mm) high with not more than nine (9) inches (287 mm) between balusters.

6. Fire escapes shall extend to the roof or provide an approved goose neck ladder between the top floor landing and the roof when serving buildings four (4) or more stories in height having roofs with less than four (4) units vertical in twelve (12) units horizontal (33.3%) slope. Fire escape ladders shall be designed and connected to the building to withstand a horizontal force of one hundred (100) pounds (445N) placed anywhere on the rung. All ladders shall be at least fifteen (15) inches (381 mm) wide, located within twelve (12) inches (305 mm) of the building. Ladder rungs shall be three-quarters (¾) inch (19.1 mm) in diameter and shall be located twelve (12) inches (305 mm) on center. Openings for roof access ladders through cornices and similar projections shall have minimum dimensions of thirty (30) inches by thirty-three (33) inches (762 by 838 mm). The length of fire escapes and exit ladder devices shall be limited to that approved by the Building Official based on products listed by a recognized testing laboratory.

7. The lowest balcony shall not be more than eighteen (18) feet (5,486 mm) from the ground. Fire escapes shall extend to the ground or be provided with counter balanced stairs reaching to the ground.

8. Fire escapes shall not take the place of stairways required by the codes under which the building was constructed.

9. Fire escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and maintained in good working order.

22

Sprinkler alternative (3), (7), (8)

1. Every historic building that does not conform to the construction requirements specified in this Code for the occupancy or use and that constitutes a distinct fire hazard shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system. However, the automatic sprinkler system shall not be used to substitute for, or act as an alternative to, the required number of exits from any facility.

2. For nonhazardous occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system is defined by the following standards:

a. For floors fourth and below, NFPA 13R.

b. For floors above the fourth, NFPA 13.

c. For all floors of buildings taller than seventy-five (75) feet, NFPA13.

d. When the building is freestanding, two (2) floors and one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet per floor or less, NFPA13D.

Exception: When the fire automatic suppression system is used to reach compliance in three (3) or more occasions, the installed system shall meet the next higher NFPA standard and approval by the Code Official is required.

23

Sprinklers –A-2 Occupancies (Nightclubs, Restaurants, Bars, Taverns with greater than fifty (50) persons) (5)

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided when the existing building or structure or a portion of existing building or structure is changed to an A-2 occupancy.

24

Interior finishes (7), (8)

Existing and replicated historic finishes of walls and ceilings shall be accepted where documented in the Historic Report.

25

Ceiling height (4)

Existing ceiling heights shall be permitted to remain.

Exception: Buildings of Group R-1 or R-2.

26

Dead-end corridor (6)

In other than Group A occupancies, existing dead-end corridors less than thirty-five (35) feet may remain. Newly constructed dead-end corridors shall comply with the prevailing code or NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, for new buildings.

Exceptions:

1. Where existing dead-end corridors of greater length are permitted by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.

2. The maximum length of an existing dead-end corridor shall be fifty (50) feet in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the prevailing code.

27

Interior finishes: Walls and floor/ceiling assembly (1)

In buildings less than three thousand five hundred (3,500) square feet/floor and less than four (4) stories in height, an existing historic wall or floor/ceiling assembly documented in the Historic Report may remain, provided that all vertical and horizontal penetrations are protected and the entire building is equipped with an automatic fire alarm and smoke or heat detection system.

Exception: Group A-2 and H occupancies and areas where open flames are used or commercial cooking occurs as defined by the Fire Code.

28

Transoms (1), (7)

In buildings with automatic sprinkler systems of Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancy, existing transoms in corridors and other fire resistance-rated walls may be maintained if fixed in the closed position. A sprinkler shall be installed on each side of the transom.

Exception: In buildings without automatic sprinkler systems, existing transoms fixed in the closed position with fixed wired glass or other approved glazing installed on one (1) side of the transom shall be accepted.

29

Fire resistance: Exterior walls (4), (3), (7)

For buildings of Type I, II or III construction greater than fifty (50) feet from adjacent buildings, or located within fifty (50) feet of buildings with the same construction classification, exterior walls shall not be required to be modified to meet the requirements for fire resistive wall construction. For all other conditions, the fire resistance requirement for existing exterior walls and existing opening protection is satisfied when an automatic sprinkler system designed for exposure protection is installed. The automatic sprinklers may be installed on the exterior under the roof line with at least one (1) sprinkler head located over each opening requiring protection. Additional sprinkler heads shall also be distributed along combustible walls under the roofline that do not meet the fire-resistive requirement due to their relationship to property lines as required by regular code. Such sprinkler systems may be connected to an adequate domestic water supply on the street main side of the building shut-off valve. A shut-off valve may be installed for the sprinkler system provided it is locked in an open position.

Exceptions:

1. Requirements for fire-resistive wall construction to be met if the building or any immediately adjacent building is classified as a high hazard occupancy.

2. Approval by Code Official required for buildings undergoing a Change of Occupancy in all hazard categories.

30

Fire resistance: Occupancy separations (3)

1. Required occupancy separations of more than one (1) hour may be reduced to one-hour fire-resistive construction with all openings protected by not less than three-quarters-hour fire-resistive assemblies of the self-closing or automatic closing type when the building is provided with an automatic suppression system throughout the entire building in accordance with prevailing code. Doors equipped with automatic closing devices shall be of a type that will function upon activation of a device which responds to products of combustion rather than heat.

2. Required occupancy separations of one (1) hour may be omitted when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout.

31

Fire resistance: One- (1) hour assemblies (6), (3), (8)

1. Required one-hour fire-resistance construction need not be provided, regardless of construction or occupancy, where the wall and ceiling finish is wood or metal lath and plaster in good condition.

2. For other wall and ceiling finishes, one-hour fire-resistive construction is not required when any of the following conditions are met:

a. The building has an automatic sprinkler system;

b. An SFM-approved, laboratory listed intumescent paint is applied on the room side of the corridor; or

c. Walls or ceilings are filled with mineral fiber or glass fiber insulation.

32

Fire resistance: Vertical shafts (3), (7)

Vertical shafts need not be enclosed when such shafts are blocked at every floor level by the installation of not less than two (2) full inches (51 mm) of solid wood or equivalent construction installed as to prevent the initial passage of smoke and flame.

Exception: When approved by the Code Official, vertical shafts need not be enclosed when the building is protected with an automatic sprinkler system.

33

Glazing in fire-resistance rated systems (8)

Historic glazing materials in interior walls required to have a one-hour fire-resistance rating may be permitted when provided with approved smoke seals and when the area affected is provided with an automatic sprinkler system.

34

Museums and special occupancies (1), (4), (8)

Special occupancy purposes such as museums, libraries, exhibits and similar uses less than three thousand five hundred (3,500) square feet (325.5 m2) per floor and under four (4) stories in height shall be regulated as a Group B occupancy. Adequate means of egress shall be provided and shall, as applicable, include:

1. A means of maintaining doors in an open position to permit egress;

2. A limit on building occupancy to an occupant load permitted by the means of egress capacity;

3. A limit on occupancy of certain areas or floors; or

4. Supervision by a person knowledgeable in the emergency exiting procedures.

For buildings with a single means of egress, occupancy shall be limited to the first and second floors, and the travel distance shall not exceed seventy-five (75) feet.

35

Light and ventilation: Interior rooms (3)

Existing provisions for light and ventilation which do not, in the opinion of the Code Official, constitute a safety hazard may remain providing that other residential and escape requirements are met.

36

Light and ventilation (3)

Existing provisions for light and ventilation which do not, in the opinion of the Code Official, constitute a safety hazard may remain providing that other residential and escape requirements are met.

37

Residential occupancies – High rise (5)

When a qualified historic building greater than sixty (60) feet in height is changed to include a Group R occupancy, the building or portion of the building shall comply with all of the following:

1. An automatic sprinkler system complying with the prevailing code shall be provided in all work areas;

2. A standpipe system complying with the prevailing code shall serve all work areas;

3. When an elevator serves a work area, at least one (1) elevator shall be provided with Phase I and II emergency controls complying with the prevailing code.

Exception: Approval by Code Official required for buildings undergoing a Change of Occupancy in all hazard categories.

38

Roof covering (1)

The existing type of roof covering shall be permitted to be replaced with the same materials.

Exception: Replacement may be made using historic materials documented in the Historic Report.

39

Stair dimensions (1), (4), (7)

Riser, tread and width dimensions of historic stairs may remain unless determined by the Code Official to constitute a distinct hazard. When stairs are replaced without changes to floor plan or structural framing, the historic riser height, tread and width dimensions are permitted to remain.

40

Stair enclosure (1), (8)

In buildings of three (3) stories or less, exit enclosure construction shall limit the spread of smoke by the use of tight-fitting doors and solid elements. Such elements are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.

Exception: An enclosure for one (1) existing stair in a building may be omitted where such stair:

1. Is documented as a historic stair;

2. Serves only one (1) adjacent floor; and

3. Is limited to one (1) level.

41

Stairs; exits – General (7)

Existing stairs meeting the requirements of this Chapter are permitted to be considered part of the means of egress unless determined by the Code Official to constitute a distinct hazard.

42

Stairs – Exit stairs, stairways and railings (7)

Existing stair geometries are permitted to remain as an exit stair if all other characteristics are acceptable and at least fifty percent (50%) of the overall exit capacity is provided through fully compliant stairs.

Exception: Museums and Special Occupancies with less than three thousand five hundred (3,500) square feet per floor, where any stair, regardless of its riser, tread, width dimensions and railing height or spacing is permitted to serve as an exit stair provided that other code-mandated requirements are met.

43

Stairs – Handrails and guardrails (7), (8)

Existing handrails and guardrails at all stairs may remain provided they are not structurally dangerous. The spacing between existing intermediate railings or openings in existing ornamental patterns shall be accepted. Missing elements or members may be replaced to match historic features.

44

Stair winders (6), (7)

Existing winders that are in good structural repair are permitted to remain in occupancies with an occupant load less than fifty (50) persons if there is a second means of egress or if the building is protected throughout with a fire alarm and detection system or automatic sprinkler system.

45

Structural changes and repairs (5), (7)

Structural changes and repairs may be made with historic materials that achieve the same performance level as the original construction.

Exception: Approval by Code Official required for buildings undergoing a Change of Occupancy in all hazard categories.

46

Structural seismic (1)

Where compliance with the provisions of this code would damage historic character or contributing historic features identified in the Historic Report, alternative methods acceptable to the Code Official may be used.

47

Structural live load (1), (8)

Historic buildings shall comply with the applicable structural provisions for the work as classified in the prevailing code.

Exceptions:

1. The Code Official may accept existing floors and approve operational controls that limit the live load on any such floor.

2. Analysis and test methods for evaluation of existing materials shall be permitted to use the methods specified in the code under which the building was constructed, the current Building Code, or other standards as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

48

Unsafe buildings of imminent threat (1), (3), (8)

When a historic building or a component or portion of same is determined to be of imminent need of repair, strengthening or replacement, no work shall be required except as necessary to correct identified unsafe conditions. When the building is declared an imminent threat to life and safety, the Code Official shall consult with the local or state historic preservation officer before any demolition is under taken.