At the May 11, 2022 meeting the Building Code Review Board discussed the removal of certain amendments to Chapter 23, Building Regulations, and Chapter 27, Fire Regulations, to the Municipal Code from the basic model codes that are not needed.
International Code Council Background
The International Code Council develops construction and public safety codes through a governmental consensus process. For more than 90 years, this system of code development has provided the highest level of safety in the world. The International Code Council is the largest international association of building safety professionals. The International Code Council is the trusted source of model codes and standards that establish the baseline for building safety globally and create a level playing field for builders and manufacturers. International Code Council building safety solutions draw directly from the expertise developed in authoring the international codes and standards and apply that to product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification, training, and technology.
Staff believes that basic model code has been tested for the minimum building codes and that amendments below to the basic model code are not needed.
Ch 23 Sec 202, IRC 803.2.2.1 - Allowable Thickness
R803.1 Lumber sheathing.
Removal of the amendment
R803. 2.2.1 Allowable Thickness.
Wood structural panels used as roof sheathing for new construction and/ or new additions of primary buildings and/ or accessory buildings that shelter
automobiles shall be a minimum of 5/8” thick.
3002.4 Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher.
Where elevators are provided in buildings four or more stories above, or four or more stories below, grade plane, not fewer than one elevator shall be provided for fire department emergency access to all floors. The elevator car shall be of such a size and arrangement to accommodate an ambulance stretcher 24 inches by 84 inches (610 mm by 2134 mm) with not less than 5-inch(127 mm) radius corners, in the horizontal, open position and shall be identified by the international symbol for emergency medical services (star of life). The symbol shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height and shall be placed inside on both sides of the hoistway door frame.
Removal of the amendment
Where elevators are installed, at least one elevator and one elevator per bank shall be provided for Fire Department and ambulance service access to all floors. Such elevator car shall be a minimum interior dimension size of 60 inch by 85 inch and arranged to allow for a stretcher in its horizontal position to enter the elevator. Every elevator meeting these criteria shall be identified by the international symbol for emergency medical services ( star of life). The symbols shall be a minimum 3 inch (76mm) by 3 inch (76mm) and placed inside on both sides of the hoistway door frame.
Exception: The Fire Official may approve alternate interior dimensions that allow for a stretcher in its horizontal position to enter the elevator.
Note: The Fire Department is in agreement that the basic model code is sufficient for their stretcher. The above amendment is not needed.
905.12 Existing buildings.
Where required in Chapter 11, existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905
Removal of the amendment
905.12 Existing Buildings. Add the following at the end:
Elimination of fire hoses from an existing Class III standpipe system is permitted only if all
of the following conditions are met:
1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with 903.1.1 or 903.1.2 of the IFC.
2. Provide a 1-1/2" brass cap with chain.
3. Provide a 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" reducer with a 1-1/2" brass cap with a chain on the 2-1/2" fire
hose valve. A permit, including review and approval by the Fire Chief, must be obtained for each
building
4. A letter from the building insurance carrier is provided to the Fire Official which states that
they are aware of the removal of the hoses.
A permit, including review and approval by the Fire Chief, must be obtained for each
building where the fire hoses are to be removed. A final inspection by the Village will
be conducted upon completion of the removal.
Note: The Fire Department is in agreement with the basic model code, the above amendment is not needed.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Village Board move to direct the Village Attorney to prepare an ordinance amending the Village Code to remove the following Sections in Chapters 23 and 27.
- Ch 23 Sec 202, IRC 803.2.2.1 - Allowable Thickness.
- Ch 23 Sec 302 IBC 3002.4 - Elevator car to accommodate ambulance stretcher.
- Ch 27 Sec 102 IFC 905.12 Existing Buildings.