150917-CodeEval_Smith_PMoffices
Ch. 34 Evaluation – 126 West Street, Smith College PM Offices
17 September 2015 Page 1 of 11
EXISTING BUILDING CODE EVALUATION
IEBC 2009 with MA Amendments
Date: 17 Sept 2015
By: Thomas RC Hartman, AIA
Project Name – Proposed Scope
The purpose of the project is to create three new spaces within an existing plan room for project manager’s
offices. The current and existing layout of the space is approximately 100’ path of travel to an unenclosed
stairwell that leads to the loading dock. The single means of egress is an enclosed stairwell that is
approximately 145’ from the furthest corner of room 210.
The building is sprinklered. Typically there are no visitors to this area of the building as the conference room is
located directly across from the exit stair.
We propose to add a pull station to the fire alarm at the top of the unenclosed staircase. See drawing A0.2
Exterior Scope Includes:
• None
Interior Scope Includes:
• New partitions and doors
• Mechanical system with ventilation
• New finishes
• New lighting, electrical and data
EXISTING BUILDING
Year Built unknown
Architects unknown
Floor Area (Whole Building): 59,861 sf (gross) basement- 18,974 sf
1st floor – 24,395
2nd floor – 16,492
# Stories two with a story below grade
Note: Table 503 allows 19,000 sf and 3 stories before sprinkler bonus
Work Area 1,439 sf
Parcel # unknown
Construction Type: 3B
NO CHANGE
Change to:
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Use Group Classification: B
NO CHANGE
Change to:
Existing Occupancy Capacity: work area only = 1,439 sf @ 100 gsf per person = 14 people- no change,
actual occupancy is 5 (three in the new spaces, and two existing)
Reference: Table 1004.1.1
NO CHANGE
Change to:
Fire Suppression
Building is sprinklered
Building is NOT sprinklered
APPLICABLE CODE
Applicable building codes include:
Massachusetts State Building code 780 CMR (8th Edition)
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Rules and Regulations 521 CMR
2009 International Existing Building Code with MA Amendments (IEBC)
2009 International Energy Conservation Code with MA Amendments (IECC)
N/A to this evaluation
Massachusetts Electrical Code 527 CMR 12.00
Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR 2.00
Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code 248 CMR 3.00-8.00
Massachusetts Mechanical Code 271 CMR
EVALUATION
The following is an evaluation of the existing building in accordance with the
8th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code CMR 780 3401.1 for Existing Structures
The compliance method we have chosen is: Work Area Method
Repairs (Section 402)
Alteration – Level 1 (Section 403)
– Level 2 (Section 404)
– Level 3 (Section 405)
Change of Occupancy (Section 406)
Additions (Section 407)
Historic Buildings (Section 408)
Relocated Buildings (Section 409)
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The scope of work proposed as Level 2: “The reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door
or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.”
Level 2 Alterations to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of the 2009 IEBC:
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
Chapter 1: Scope and Administration – 2009 IEBC
PART 1 – SCOPE AND APPLICATION
Chapter 34- Section 101.5.4.0 Investigation and evaluation.
For any proposed work regulated by this code and subject to 780 CMR, section 107, as a condition of the
issuance of a permit, the building owner shall cause the existing building (or portion thereof) to be
investigated and evaluated in accordance with the provisions of this code. The investigation and
evaluation shall be in sufficient detail to ascertain the effects of the proposed work on at least these
systems: structural, means of egress, fire protection, energy conservation, lighting, hazardous materials,
and ventilation for the space under consideration and, where necessary, the entire building or structure and
its foundation if impacted by the proposed work.
• Proposed work does not adversely affect the existing conditions and new lighting, ventilation
and cooling is being added accordingly. See the following narrative on the means of egress.
Section 101.9 Cumulative effects of alterations, additions, or changes of occupancy on
structural elements.
• N/A. Cumulative effect is not required for consideration because all of the following six
exceptions apply. No structural loading is altered from the existing conditions.
PART 2 – ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Mass. Amendments: For administration and enforcement refer to 780 CMR 1 (2009 IBC).
SECTION 107 SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION CONTROL
Section 107.1.2 Fire department review.
For permits that include fire protection systems under Chapter 34: Existing Structures, construction
documents shall be filed with the building official who shall cause them to be filed with the head of the
local fire department for review.
• YES. Construction documents specifying the scope of addition of or change in fire
protections systems shall be submitted to the building official. A manual pull station is
electively being added.
Section 107.6 Construction control.
For buildings needing registered design professional services, registered design professionals and the
general contractor shall provide construction control in accordance with Section 107.6.
• YES. Construction control will be provided per the requirements of Section 107.6.
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Chapter 5: Repairs – 2009 IEBC
SECTION 501 GENERAL
Section 501.2 Conformance.
The work shall not make the building less conforming than it was before the repair was undertaken.
• N/A. No change to conformance.
Section 501.3 Flood hazard areas.
In flood hazard areas, repairs that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building
comply with Section 1612 of the IBC.
• N/A. Scope of work is not considered a substantial improvement.
SECTION 502 BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
Section 502.2 New and replacement materials.
Like materials permitted by the applicable codes for new construction shall be used, provided no dangerous
or unsafe condition is created.
• YES. New and replacement materials shall comply with 2009 IEBC – Section 502.2.
Section 502.3 Glazing in hazardous locations.
Replacement glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with safety glazing requirements of the IBC or IRC
as applicable.
• N/A Work area does not contain hazardous locations.
SECTION 503 FIRE PROTECTION
Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.
• N/A. No change to level of fire protection. A manual pull station is being added.
SECTION 504 MEANS OF EGRESS
Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of egress.
• N/A. No change to existing egress.
SECTION 505 ACCESSIBILITY
Repairs shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of accessibility provided.
• N/A. No change to accessibility.
SECTION 506 STRUCTURAL
Structural repairs shall be in compliance with Section 506 Structural.
• N/A. No structural repairs included in scope of work and no dangerous conditions exist.
SECTION 507 ELECTRICAL
Existing electrical wiring and equipment undergoing repair shall be allowed to be repaired or replaced with
like material.
• YES. All new electrical work will conform to the Electrical Code.
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SECTION 508 MECHANICAL
Existing mechanical systems undergoing repair shall not make the building less conforming than it was
before the repair was undertaken.
• N/A. No mechanical repairs, only new systems being added.
SECTION 509 PLUMBING
Plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used for repairs that are prohibited in the IPC.
• N/A. No plumbing is included in the scope of work.
Chapter 6: Alterations – Level 1 – 2009 IEBC
SECTION 602 BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
Section 602.1 Interior finishes.
All newly installed interior wall and ceiling finishes shall comply with Chapter 8 IBC.
• YES. Finishes shall comply with 2009 IBC.
Section 602.2 Interior floor finish.
New interior floor finish, including new carpeting, shall comply with Section 804 of IBC
• YES. Floor finish shall comply with 2009 IBC.
Section 602.3 Interior trim.
All newly installed interior trim materials shall comply with Section 806 of IBC.
• YES. Trim shall comply with 2009 IBC.
Section 602.4 Materials and methods.
All new work shall comply with materials and methods requirements of IBC, IECC, IMC, and IPC, as
applicable. Note MA deletions and amendments.
• YES. All new work shall comply with 2009 IBC as well as all applicable International Codes.
SECTION 603 FIRE PROTECTION
Alterations shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of fire protection provided.
• N/A. No change to level of fire protection. A manual pull station is being added
SECTION 604 MEANS OF EGRESS
Alterations shall be done in a manner that maintains the level of protection provided for the means of
egress.
• N/A. No change to egress.
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SECTION 605 ACCESSIBILITY
Section 605.1 General.
Mass. Amendments: Accessibility shall be in accordance with 521 CMR.
AAB Regulations 521 CMR
521 Section 3.3.1
If the work being performed amounts to less than 30% of the Full and Fair Cash Value of the building and
a. if the work costs less than $100,000, then only the work performed is required to comply with
521 CMR.
--- OR ---
b. if the work costs $100,000 or more, then the work being performed is required to comply with
521 CMR. In addition, an accessible public entrance and an accessible toilet room, telephone,
drinking fountain (if toilets, telephones and drinking fountains are provided) shall also be
provided in compliance with 521 CMR.
EXCEPTION: Whether performed alone or in combination with each other, the following types of
alterations are not subject to 521 CMR 3.3.1 unless the cost of the work exceeds $500,000 or unless
work is being performed on the entrance or toilet. (When performing exempted work, a memo
stating the exempted work and its costs must be filed with the permit application or a separate
building permit must be obtained.)
a. Curb cuts.
b. Alteration work which is limited solely to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing
systems; to abatement of hazardous materials; or retrofit of automatic sprinklers
and does not involve the alteration of any elements or spaces required to be
accessible under 521 CMR.
c. Roof repair or replacement, window repair or replacement, repointing and
masonry repair work.
d. Work relating to septic system repairs, site utilities and landscaping.
Calculations for 521 Section 3.3.1:
[Amherst Assessment Ratio updated for 2014. To check this info go to
http://www.mass.gov/dor/local-officials/assessor-info/equalized-valuations-eqv.html]
Assessed Building Value (NIC land) $ 14,106,574
Northampton Assessment Ratio: divide by 0.97
Full and Fair Cash Value ( = Assessed Value/0.97) $ 14,542,860
30% of Full and Fair Cash Value $ 4,362,857
Value of Previous Work in Last Three Years $ 500,000
Value of Current Scope of Work $ 573,500
Total Cost of Work ( = Previous work + current scope) $ 573,500
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ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY
Is the Cost of Work less than 30% of Full and Fair Cash Value? YES
Is the Cost of Work more than $100,000? YES
Is there an Exception that applies? NO
The building does have an accessible public entrance and toilet room. OK.
SECTION 606 STRUCTURAL
Section 606.1 General.
Where alteration work includes replacement of equipment that is supported by the building or where a
reroofing permit is required, the provisions of this section shall apply.
• N/A. Alteration work does not include replacement of building supported equipment or
roofing requiring a permit.
SECTION 607 ENERGY CONSERVATION
Section 607.1 Minimum requirements.
Alterations are permitted without requiring the entire building or structure to comply with the energy
requirements of IECC or IRC. Alterations shall comply with IECC or IRC as they relate to new construction
only.
• N/A. Alteration work does not include changes in thermal envelope. Interior modifications
only are proposed.
• Note: The Stretch code does not apply to existing commercial buildings, see reference below.
APPENDIX AA: STRETCH ENERGY CODE
The Stretch Energy Code is the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009 with
Massachusetts Amendments (780 CMR 115.AA).
101.1, 101.2, and 101.3 Replace as follows:
101.1 Title. This code shall be known as the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code and shall be cited as
such. It is referred to as “this code.”
101.2 Scope. This code applies to new residential buildings, renovations of or additions to existing
residential buildings, new commercial buildings, and additions to existing commercial buildings.
Renovations of existing commercial buildings, and replacement or reconstruction of existing
commercial building components and elements, are not subject to the provisions of this code.
Buildings not included in this scope shall comply with Chapter 13 or 34 of the International Building
Code 2009 with Massachusetts Amendments (780 CMR 13.00 or 34.00) or for Single- and Two-family
dwellings at 780 CMR 61.00, or 93.00, as applicable.
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Chapter 7: Alterations – Level 2 – 2009 IEBC
SECTION 701 GENERAL
Section 701.2 Alteration Level 1 compliance.
In addition to the requirements of this chapter, all work shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 6.
SECTION 702 SPECIAL USE AND OCCUPANCY
Alteration of buildings classified as special use and occupancy shall comply with the requirements of
Section 701.1 and the scoping provisions of Chapter 1 where applicable.
• N/A. Building is not classified as special use and occupancy.
SECTION 703 BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
Section 703.1 Scope.
Requirements of this section are limited to Work Areas of Level 2 alterations and shall apply beyond the
Work Area when specified.
Section 703.2 Vertical openings.
703.2.1 Existing vertical openings. All existing interior vertical openings connecting two or more
stories shall be enclosed with a 1 hr assembly with approved opening protectives.
o N/A. Alteration Work Area does not include vertical openings.
703.2.2 Supplemental shaft or floor opening enclosure requirements. Where the Work Area on
any floor exceeds 50% of that floor area, the enclosure requirements of Section 703.2 shall apply to
vertical openings other than stairways throughout the floor.
o N/A. Alteration Work Area is not more than 50% of that floor area.
703.2.3 Supplemental stairway enclosure requirements. Where the Work Area on any floor
exceeds 50% of that floor area, stairways that are part of the means of egress serving the Work Area
shall, at a minimum, be enclosed with smoke tight construction on the highest Work Area floor,
and all floors below.
Exception: Where stairway enclosure is not required by IBC or IFC.
o N/A. Alteration work area does not include stairways.
Section 703.3 Smoke barriers.
Smoke barriers in Group I-2 occupancies shall be installed where required by Sections 703.3.1 and 703.3.2.
• N/A. Not a Group I-2 occupancy.
Section 703.4 Interior finish.
The interior finish of walls and ceilings in exits and corridors in any Work Area shall comply with the
requirements of the IBC.
• YES. Finishes shall comply with 2009 IBC.
703.4.1 Supplemental interior finish requirements. Where the Work Area on any floor exceeds
50% of that floor area, Section 703.4 shall also apply to the interior finish in exits and corridors
serving the Work Area throughout the floor.
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o N/A. Alteration Work Area is not more than 50% of that floor area.
Section 703.5 Guards.
Provide guards at all floor locations that are more than 30” above the floor or grade per IBC.
• N/A. No floor locations are above 30”.
SECTION 704 FIRE PROTECTION
Section 704.1 Scope.
Requirements limited to Work Area of Level 2 alterations, except as specified to apply throughout the floor.
Section 704.2 Automatic sprinkler systems.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall installed in accordance with the IBC.
• N/A. Existing building is sprinklered.
Section 704.3 Standpipes.
Where the Work Area includes exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant and is located more than
50 feet above or below the lowest level of fire department access, a standpipe system shall be provided.
• N/A. Work Area does not include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant.
Section 704.4 Fire alarm and detection.
An approved fire alarm system shall be installed.
• N/A. A fire alarm system which includes pull station and heat detector at the kitchen currently
exists and is fully functional. A manual pull station is being added as noted above.
SECTION 705 MEANS OF EGRESS
Section 705.1 Scope.
Requirements of this section are limited to Work Areas that include exits or corridors shared by more than
one tenant within the Work Area of Level 2 alterations, except as specified to apply throughout the floor.
Section 705.2 General.
• N/A. Work area for level 2 alterations does not include exits or corridors shared by more
than one tenant.
Section 705.3 Number of exits.
Every story utilized for human occupancy on which there is a Work Area that includes exits or corridors
shared by more than one tenant within the Work Area shall be provided with the minimum number of exits
in accordance with the IBC and Sections 705.3.1.1 and 705.3.1.2.
• N/A. Work area for level 2 alterations does not include exits or corridors shared by more
than one tenant. See commentary at the beginning of the report regarding the existing
number of exits and provision to improve life safety by adding a pull station.
Section 705.3.2 Mezzanines.
Mezzanines in the Work Area and with an occupant load of more than 50 or in which travel distance to an
exit exceeds 75 feet shall have access to at least two independent means of egress.
• N/A. Work Area does not include Mezzanines.
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Section 705.3.3 Main Entrance - Group A.
All Group A with an occupant load over 300, the main entrance shall be capable of 50% of the total
occupant load.
• N/A. Existing building is not a Group A with an occupant load over 300.
Section 705.4 Egress Doorways.
Egress doorways in any work area shall comply with Sections 705.4.1 through 705.4.5.
• YES. Egress doorways shall comply with Sections 705.4.1 through 705.4.5 as stated below.
Section 705.5 Openings in corridor walls.
Openings in corridor walls in any Work Area shall comply with Sections 705.5.1 through 705.5.4.
• YES. Openings shall comply with Sections 705.5.1 through 705.5.4.
Section 705.6 Dead end corridors.
Dead-end corridors in any Work Area shall not exceed 35 feet. (50 with Sprinklers in Group B)
• N/A Work area does not include dead-end corridors.
Section 705.7 Means of egress lighting.
705.7.1 Artificial lighting required. Means-of-egress in all Work Areas shall be provided with
artificial lighting in accordance with the IBC.
o YES. Egress lighting to be provided in accordance with 2009 IBC
705.7.2 Supplemental requirements for means-of-egress lighting. Where the Work Area on any
floor exceeds 50% of that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with
Section 705.7.1.
o N/A. Work Area does not exceed 50% of the floor area.
o YES. Egress lighting to be provided in accordance with 2009 IBC
Section 705.8 Exit signs.
705.8.1 Work Areas. Means-of-egress in all Work Areas shall be provided with exit signs in
accordance with the IBC.
o YES. Egress lighting to be provided in accordance with 2009 IBC at the exits and
corridors. An exit sign is not required in the work area as only one means of egress is
required from that space (less than 50 people). Ref: IBC 1011 exception 1.
705.8.2 Supplemental requirements for exit signs. Where the Work Area on any floor exceeds
50% of that floor area, means of egress throughout the floor shall comply with Section 705.8.1.
o N/A. Work Area does not exceed 50% of the floor area.
Section 705.9 Handrails.
The requirements of Sections 705.9.1 and 705.9.2 shall apply to handrails from the Work Area floor to, and
including, the level of exit discharge.
705.9.1 Minimum Requirement. Every required exit stairway that is part of the means of egress for any
Work Area shall be provided with handrails for the full length of the run of steps on at least one side (or
both sides when the egress width exceeds 66 inches).
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705.9.2 Design. Handrails she be designed and installed in accordance with the IBC.
o N/A. Work area does not include stairways or exterior stairs.
Section 705.10 Guards.
The requirements of Sections 705.10.1 and 705.10.2 shall apply to guards from the Work Area floor to, and
including, the level of exit discharge but shall be confined to the egress path of any Work Area.
705.9.1 Minimum Requirement. Every open portion of a stair, landing or balcony that is more than 30
inches above the floor or grade shall be provided with guards.
705.9.2 Design. Guards she be designed and installed in accordance with the IBC.
o N/A. Work area does not include open portions of stairs, landings or balconies.
SECTION 706 ACCESSIBILITY
To comply with Section 605 ACCESSIBILITY above. (Accessibility shall be in accordance with 521 CMR.)
SECTION 707 STRUCTURAL
Section 707.1 General.
Structural elements and systems within buildings undergoing Level 2 alterations shall comply with this
section.
• N/A. Level 2 alteration work does not include structural elements and systems.
SECTION 708 ELECTRICAL
• New Electrical to comply with MA Electric Code.
SECTION 709 MECHANICAL
Section 709.1 Reconfigured or converted spaces.
All reconfigured or converted spaces within the Work Area shall be provided with natural or mechanical
ventilation in accordance with the IMC.
• YES. Reconfigured spaces will be provided with mechanical or natural ventilation in
accordance with the IMC.
SECTION 710 PLUMBING
• N/A- There is no plumbing in the scope of work.
SECTION 711 ENERGY CONSERVATION
Section 711.1 Minimum requirements.
Level 2 Alterations are permitted without requiring the entire building or structure to comply with the
energy requirements of IECC or IRC. The alterations to comply with IECC or IRC as they relate to new
construction only.
• YES. Reference Section 607 Energy Conservation above.
END OF REPORT