MyFloridaCode.com

[This is definitely not legal advice and is for discussion purposes only]
 
First, there is no section 102.6 in the 2007 FBC, Existing Buildings volume.  The quote is in section 102.6 of the Building volume. That section does not reference any particular section in the 2007 FFPC.
 
You should note that while there is grandfathering under the building code in Florida, there is no such grandfathering under the FFPC per a declaratory statement from the State Fire Marshal.  However, in an existing building, (with some exceptions) you do not have to comply with the "new" provisions of the fire code, only the "existing" provisions for each particular use/occupancy. 
 
I have not looked in the FFPC for you, but if you haven't done so, go to the Existing Apartment Building chapter.  That will tell you what you have to do.  Please note that the section 3.3.159 in the Uniform Code you mention is a definition, not a requirement.  I can't promise you the "existing" provisions will help you, but they should tell you what the building is governed under.
 
There are also statutory provisions regarding hardship for existing buildings but that is more than I can go into tonight.
 
Good luck.
 
Robert
 
Robert S. Fine, Esq., AIA
Environmental, Land Development, Accessibility,
Building and Life Safety Codes Law
Board Certified in Construction Law
Greenberg Traurig, PA
1221 Brickell Avenue
Miami, Florida 33131
Tel: (305) 579-0826
Fax:(305) 961-5826
E-Mail:  FineR at gtlaw.com

________________________________

From: codetalk-bounces at myfloridacode.com [mailto:codetalk-bounces at myfloridacode.com] On Behalf Of Greg Hatfield
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 7:52 PM
To: CodeTalk at myfloridacode.com
Subject: [Florida Code Talk] means of egress question



Let me preface that I am not requesting legal advice but a sense of direction regarding egress on a 35 year old Condo.

 

There are multilevel buildings constructed with inside hallways poured 3" below each unit's floors on each side of the corridor.  You step up to a small open foyer that leads 3' to and through each unit's  entrance door. 

 

A third party has stated section 102.6 of the 2007 FBC, Existing Buildings any structure shall be permitted to continue without change except as covered by the Florida Fire Prevention Code.  Then references 2007 FFPC, Uniform Code Section 3.3.159 that we should have a continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way; then from Life Safety Code Section 7.1.6.2, changes in elevation that exceed ½" shall be subject to 7.1.7 where exits of 12" or less shall be by ramp.

 

Based on the above, they deemed we were not in compliance.  Where do I take this in Clearwater or Pinellas County for clarification?  We would have to jack hammer every tiled entry foyer and pour a concrete ramp down 3" to the tiled corridor.

 

Thanks, 

Greg Hatfield, CIEC, CAFS

727-403-5416 (m)

727-726-5074 (fax)

ghatfiel at tampabay.rr.com 

 

 

 

 


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