Chapter 34 Review Archimetrics Design Studio
28 North Maple Street Florence, MA 01062
Peter Lapointe, Architect 413-582-9100
archimetricsdesign@verizon.net
Louis Hasbrouck, Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Third Floor Apartment Upgrades and Repair
25 Pleasant Street
Northampton, MA
Chapter 34 Summary
Overview:
25 Pleasant Street is an existing three story masonry structure of type 3B construction.
Recent improvements include the addition of a second egress stair on the rear of the
building to serve all three floors including fire alarm upgrades. Recent tenant
improvements were performed on the first floor.
The scope of work for the third floor includes replacement of existing plumbing
fixtures, repair of a damaged roof framing wood girder, removal of a partition and
door to facilitate the wood framing repair and modest finish improvements. The scope
of work impacts less than 25 percent of the third floor area. The scope of work does
not alter any exterior building component or existing means of egress component.
Since the work involves removal of a door and wall, the renovation is classified as a
Level 2 – Alternation and involves no change of use or occupancy.
Chapter 7 – 2009 IEBC
Level 2 Alterations are required to comply with Chapter 7 of the IEBC and as follows:
701.3: Compliance. New materials used in the proposed alterations will comply with
the requirements for new construction.
704.4: Fire alarm and detection. The existing fire alarm system includes horn strobes
and pull stations. The existing apartment has smoke and heat detectors consistent
with current code requirements. Any devices disrupted in the course of the renovation
Archimetrics Design Studio
28 North Maple Street Florence, MA 01062
Peter Lapointe, Architect 413-582-9100
archimetricsdesign@verizon.net
will be replaced and or restored. New smoke detectors will replace existing devices
where ceilings are replaced in the bedrooms and living room.
707: Structural. The wood girder is being repaired with LVL’s sized to current snow
and dead load requirements of the 2008 IBC. Robert Leet of Whetstone Engineering
will provide field directives on this repair once the beam has been exposed and the
most practical method of repair can be determined.
708: Electrical. Electrical modifications for the kitchen and bath alterations will
comply with the requirements for new construction.
709: Mechanical. New exhaust fans for the bathroom and kitchen will be provided as
part of this renovation.
710: Plumbing. All plumbing work will be compliant with the requirements of the
Massachusetts State Plumbing Code.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Lapointe, Architect