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81 views48 pagesBuilding Codes
Fort Collins, CO Building Codes
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chazbert2020Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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/ 48
ORDINANCE NO. 072, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II, DIVISION.2, OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
REPEALING THE 20/2 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) AND
ADOPTING THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS,
WHEREAS, since 1924, the City has reviewed, amended and adopted the latest
nationally recognized building standards available for the times; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of City staff, the City Council has determined that it
is in the best interests of the City to align the five interconnected basic construction codes under
one publication year; and
WHEREAS, the five interconnected basic construction codes are the International
Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, and International Energy Conservation Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the 2015 publication year of the five
interconnected basic construction codes ought to be adopted and that their counterpart codes
previously adopted should be repealed, both in order to align the publication years of the codes
and also because the 2015 publications contain improvements in construction code regulation;
and
WHEREAS, City staff has conducted a significant public outreach program, working
with the regulated construction industry and building professionals; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the five interconnected basic construction codes has been
presented to and recommended by the Affordable Housing Board, the Commission on Disability,
the Air Quality Advisory Board, the Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Building Review
Board, the Electric Board, the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Water Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that itis in the best interest of the health,
safety and welfare, of the City and its citizens that the 20/2 International Building Code, as
previously adopted and amended by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 020, 2014, be repealed
and that in its place, the 20/5 International Building Code be adopted, with local amendments as
set forth in this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter II, Section 7, City Council may enact any
ordinance which adopts a code by reference in whole or in part provided that before adoption of
such ordinance the Council hold a public hearing thereon and that notice of the hearing is
published twice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City, with one of such
publications occurring at least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other publication
‘occurring at least fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing; and WHEREAS, in compliance with Article II, Section 7, the City Clerk published in the Fort
Collins Coloradoan such notice of hearing concerning adoption of the 2015 International
Building Code on May 21, 2017, and May 28, 2017; and
WHEREAS, attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference is the Notice
of Public Hearing dated May 14, 2107, that was so published and which the Council hereby finds
meets the requirements of Article Il, Section 7 of the City Charter.
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1, That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Scction 2. That Section 5-26(a) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
(@) Pursuant to the power and authority conferred on the City Council by Section 31-
16-202, C.RS. and Article Il, Section 7 of the Charter, the City Council hereby repeals
the 20/2 International Building Code (2012 IBC), and adopts, as the building code of the
City, the 2015 International Building Code (2015 IBC) published by the International
Code Council, as amended by the City, which shall have the same force and effect as
though set forth in full herein. The subject matter of the codes adopted herein includes
comprehensive provisions and standards regulating the erection, construction,
enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy,
equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of buildings and structures exclusive of
detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade and their accessory structures,
for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety and general welfare. As provided
in the 2015 International Building Code, Appendices are not adopted except as expressly
set forth in Section 5-27.
Section 3. That Section 5-27 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
repealed in its entirety and reenacted to read as follows:
Sec. 5-27. Amendments and Deletions to 2015 International Building Code.
The 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE adopted in Section 5-26 is hereby
‘amended in the following respects:
(1) Section 101. Title is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
101.1. Title. These regulations shall be known as the General Building Code of the City
of Fort Collins, hereinafter referred to as ‘this code’.
(2) Sections 101.4.1Ithrough 101.4.7 Referenced codes, are hereby deleted in their entirety
and the following Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.10 are hereby added in lieu thereof:
=e 3)
101.4.1 Electrical, All references to the Electrical Code shall mean the electrical code
currently in effect as enacted and amended from time to time by the State of Colorado.
101.4.2 Gas. Alll references to the International Fuel Gas Code shall mean the fuel gas
code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.3 Mechanical. All references to the International Mechanical Code shall mean the
mechanical code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.4 Plumbing. All references to the International Plumbing Code shall mean the
plumbing code currently in effect as enacted and amended form time to time by the State
of Colorado,
101.45 Property Maintenance. All references to the International Property
Maintenance Code shall mean the property maintenance code currently in effect as
enacted by the City. - .
101.4.6 Fire Prevention. All references to the International Fire Code shall mean the
fire code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.7 Energy. All references to the International Energy Conservation Code shall
‘mean the energy code currently in effect as enacted by the City
101.4.8 Residential. All references to the International Residential Code shall mean the
residential code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.9 Areas prone to flooding. All references to ‘flood hazard’ and ‘areas prone to
flooding’ in this code and appendices adopted therewith subject to applicable regulations
and requirements set forth in the City Code, “Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and
Protection.”
101.4.10 Existing buildings. All references to existing buildings may be regulated
pursuant to the adopted International Property Maintenance Code or the 2012
International Building Code Chapter 34 titled ‘Existing Buildings and Structures’
previously adopted by the City of Fort Collins and no longer a chapter in this code.
Section 103 Department of Building Safety is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION 103 CODE ADMINISTRATION
103.1 Entity charged with code administration, The Community Development and
Neighborhood Services Department (CDNS), as established by the City Code, is hereby
charged with the administration and enforcement of this code. (4)
‘The building official, appointed by the City Manager, is charged with the direct overall
administration and enforcement of this code; and, in the performance of said duties, may
delegate the necessary authority to the appropriate technical, administrative, and
compliance staff under the supervision the building official.
Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit, including provisions under the heading of
“Building”, is hereby retained with the following amendments:
105.2 Work exempt from permit. .
Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this
code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for
the following:
Building,
1. One-story, detached, accessory structures used for lawn and garden equipment
storage, tool storage and similar uses, as well as arbors, pergolas, and similar structures,
provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11.15 m?) or 8 feet (2.438 m)
in height measured from grade, do not house flammable liquids in quantities exceeding
10 gallons (38 1) per building and are located at least 3 feet (0.914 m) from an adjoining
property line.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Oilderricks
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 fect (1219 mm) in height measured from the
low side grade to the top of the wall unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I,
Mor IIIA liquids. The horizontal distance to the next uphill retaining wall shall be at least
equal to the total height of the lower retaining wall.
5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 .
gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
6, Platforms intended for human occupancy or walking, sidewalks and driveways
not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement
‘window and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, calinets, counter tops and similar finish
work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated and portable swimming or wading pools, hot tubs or spas if such
structures are supported directly upon grade when the walls of such structure are entirely
-4- (5)
above grade and if such structures cannot contain water mdre than 24 inches (610 mm)
deep. :
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not
including service systems. Hoop houses constructed with a flexible frame such as PVC
tubing used for starting plants
11. Swings and other playground equipment or play structures accessory to detached
one- and two-family dwellings provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet
(LIS m?) or 8 feet (2.438 m) in height measured from grade, including one elevated
playhouse or play structure per lot designed, and used exclusively for play. Elevated play
houses or play structures shall not exceed 64 square feet (5.9 m2) of floor area or 6 feet
(1.82 m) in height as measured from the floor to the highest point of such structure.
12. — Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than
54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall, do not require additional support, and do not
extend over the public right of way. Window replacement requiring no structural
alteration. Window replacement requiring no change in the window configuration which
reduces the size of the window clear opening. Window replacement when such work is
determined not to be historically significant. Storm window, storm door and rain gutter
installation
13. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5
feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
14. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area that are not more than 30
inches (762 mm) above grade, are not attached to a building, and do not serve an exit
door required by Chapter 10.
15. _ Roofing repair or replacement work not exceeding one square (100 square feet) of
covering per building
16. _ Replacement of nonstructural siding when the removal of siding is performed in
accordance with State laws regarding asbestos and lead paint.
17. Work valued at less than $500 when such work does not involve alteration. of
structural components, fire-rated assemblies, plumbing, electrical, mechanical or fire-
extinguishing systems. +
18. Decorative ponds, fountains and pools that cannot contain water more than 24
inches (610 mm) deep.
Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit, is further amended by deleting all headings and
references under Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing in their entirety. 6)
a
(8)
0)
(10)
Section 105.3.2 Time limitation of application is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments: ,
105.3.2 Time limitation of application An application for a permit for any proposed
work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless
such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that
the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional
periods not exceeding 99 180 days each provided the application has not expired and is
considered an active application. The extension shall be requested in writing and
justifiable cause demonstrated. Applications that have expired for 30 days or more will be
considered as null and void and all plans discarded.
Section 105.5 Expiration is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such
permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the
site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the
work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more
extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each, provided the permit has not
expired for more than 30 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable
cause demonstrated,
Both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, any work authorized by a
permit regulated by this code or any other building construction code administered by the
building official that involves the construction or alteration of an exterior building
component, assembly or finish material, such as the foundation, wall and roof framing,
sheathing, siding, fenestration, and roof covering, shall be fully finished for permanent
outdoor exposure within 24 months of the date of the issuance of such permit,
Section 106 Floor and Roof Design Loads is hereby deleted in its entirety.
Section 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents, is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
1073.1 Approval of construction documents. When the building official issues a
permit, the construction documents shall be approved in writing or by a stamp indicating
the approved permit number. One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be
retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be
kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official or his or
her authorized representative. :
Section 108 Temporary Structures and Uses is hereby deleted in its entirety. (ly
(12)
(13)
Section 109, FEES, is hercby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby added in
lieu thereof:
SECTION 109 FEES
109.1 Payment of fees. No permit shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the City
‘Manager pursuant to Chapter 7.5, Article I of the City Code, entitled, ‘Administrative
Fees’, have been paid.
109.2 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or
demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by
a permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other
fees that are prescribed by law.
109.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected shall be
refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of 100 percent of a plan
review fee or permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee provided the plan review is
withdrawn or cancelled and the plan review and/or work authorized under a permit issued
in accordance with this code has not commenced; and further provided that such plan
review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in Section 105.5. Prior to
authorizing the refunding of any fee paid to the original applicant or permite, a written
request from such party must be submitted to the City within 180 days of the date of the
fee payment,
Section 110.3 Reguired inspections is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
110.3 Required inspections The building official, upon notification, shall make or shall
cause to be made the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.10.
Section 111.2 Certificate issued is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
{
111.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and
does not find violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by
the department of building safety, the building official shall issue a certificate of
‘occupancy that contains the following:
The building permis number.
The address of the structure.
‘The name and address of the owner or the owner's authorized agent.
A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is
aeons
ued, (4)
5, A statement that the described portion of the structuré has been inspected for
compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of
occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
6.» The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9
I
The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6,
0. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is
required.
Section 113, Board of Appeals, is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is
hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION 113 BOARD OF APPEALS
113.1 General. The Building Review Board (hereafter “Board”) established in Section
2-117 of the City Code is hereby empowered in accordance with the procedures set forth
in this Section and as authorized under Section 2-119 of the City Code to hear and decide
appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relative to
the application and interpretation of this code; to determine the suitability of alternative
materials or alternative methods of construction; and to grant permit extensions and
reinstatements as prescribed by Section 105.5. The building official shall serve as the
Secretary of the Board, The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its
business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing.
113.2 Applications/Hearings. When a building permit applicant or a holder of a
“building permit desires relief from any decision of the building official related to the
enforcement of this code, except as is otherwise limited in Section 113.4, such building
permit applicant, building permit holder, or representative thereof may appeal the
decision of the building official to the Board, stating that such decision by the building
official was based on an erroneous interpretation of the building regulations or that an
alternative design, alternative materials and/or the alternative methods of construction
proposed by the appellant are equivalent to those prescribed by this code, considering
structural strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and any other pertinent
factors.
‘The Board shall hear and decide all appeals made to it and shall have the authority to rule
in favor of the appellant when the Board determines that the interpretation of the building
regulations of the City by the building official was erroneous, or when the Board
determines an alternative design, alternative materials and/or the alternative methods
proposed by the appellant are equivalent to those prescribed by this code, considering
structural strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and any other pertinent -
factors. The Board shall require that sufficient evidence be submitted to substantiate any
claims made regarding the proposed alternative design, alternative materials and/or as)
(16)
; \
alternative methods of construction, A quorum of 4 members shall be necessary for any
meeting of the Board,
113.3 Fees and Notification. Persons desiring to appeal to the Board any decision of the
building official as provided in this Section shall, at the time of filing such appeal, pay to
the City a filing fee in the amount of $50. Written notice of hearings shall be given to the
Appellant and, with respect to requests for exceptions or variances to Section 1101.1 of
this code, to the secretary (o the Commission on Disability, at least 4 days prior to the
hearing by mailing the same to such party's last known address by regular U.S. mail
113.4 Limitations. The Building Review Board shall have no authority with respect to
any of the following functions:
1, The administration of this code except as expressly provided otherwise;
2. Waiving requirements of this code, except as provided in this Section;
3. Modifying the applicable provisions of, or granting variances to, this code, or
approving the use of alternative designs, alternative materials and/or alternative
methods of construction except as provided for in this Section and based upon a
specific appeal from a determination or decision of the building official on an
individual case basis; and :
4, Modifying, interpreting, or ruling on the applicability or intent of the zoning and
land use regulations or other laws of the City except as expressly empowered
otherwise.
Section 114.4, Violation penalties is retained in its entirety with the following
amendments
114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to
comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a
building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of
the building official, ot of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the penalties and fines specified
in Section 1-15 of the City Code.
A new Section 114.5 Work commencing before permit issuance, is hereby added to read
as follows:
114.5 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to the penalties set forth
in Section 114.4, any person or firm who, before obtaining the necessary permit(s),
commences any construction of, or work on, a building, structure, electrical, gas,
mechanical or plumbing system that is not otherwise exempt from obtaining a permit,
shall be subject to a fine in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Said fine shall
be equal in amount to the permit fee, except that it shall not be less than $50 nor more *
than $1,000 for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such
violation repeatedly shall be subject to a fine equal to double the amount of the permit fee
‘or double the amount of the fine imposed for the preceding violation, whichever is
: -9- an
greater, for each such subsequent violation committed within.180 days of a previous
violation. Said fines may be appealed to the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2, Article
VI of the City Code. p
Section 202, DEFINITIONS, is hereby amended to modify, or add, in alphabetical
order, the following definitions:
COMMISSIONING. A process to verify and document that the selected building and
systems have been designed, installed, and function in accordance with the construction
documents, manufacturers’ specifications, and minimum code requirements.
DWELLING. A building used exclusively for residential occupancy and for permitted
accessory uses, including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and multi-family
dwellings, and short term primary and non-primary rentals. The term dwelling shall not
include hotels, motels, homeless shelters, seasonal overflow shelters, tents or other
structures designed or used primarily for temporary occupancy with the exception of
short term primary and non-primary rentals. Any dwelling shall be deemed to be a
principal building.
DWELLING UNIT. One or more rooms and a single kitchen and at least 1 bathroom,
designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate quarters for the exclusive use
of a single family for living, cooking and sanitary purposes, located in a single-family,
two-family or multi-family dwelling or mixed-use building,
FAMILY. Any number of persons who are all related by blood, marriage, adoption,
guardianship or other duly authorized custodial relationship, and who live together as a
single housekeeping unit and share common living, sleeping, cooking and eating
fa
GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION). The lowest point of elevation of the
finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk between the building and the property
line or, when the property line is more than 5 feet (1.524 m) from the building, between
the building and a line 5 feet (1.524 m) from the building. :
ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM). A habitable room within a dwelling or other
housing unit designed primarily for the purpose of sleeping. The presence of a’bed, cot,
mattress, convertible sofa or other similar furnishing used for sleeping purposes shall be
2108 (18)
a9)
(20)
prima facie evidence that such space or room is a sleeping room. The presence of closets
or similar storage facilities shall not be considered relevant factors in determining
whether or not a room is a sleeping room,
TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or
more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from
the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted
parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, which parcel is deeded exclusively for
such single-family dwelling.
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC): Any compound of carbon, excluding
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and
ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions. VOCs
include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short-and long-term adverse
health effects emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.
Section 419.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
419.1 General.
A live/work unit shall comply with Sections 419.1 through 419.9.
Exception: Dwelling or sleeping units that include an office that is less than 20 percent
of the area of the dwelling unit are permitted to be classified as dwelling units with
accessory occupancies in accordance with Section 508.2.
A new Section 501.3 Premises Identification is hereby added to read as follows:
501.3 Premises Identification During Construction. The approved permit number and
street address number shall be displayed and be plainly visible’ and legible from the
public street or road fronting the property on which any building is being constructed or
remodeled.
Section 505.2.1 Area Limitation is hereby retained in its entirety with the addition of a
new exception number 3 to read as follows:
3. Within individual dwelling units of Group R occupancies, the maximum
aggregate area of a mezzanine may be equal to one-half of the area of the room in
lle Qi)
(22)
(23)
which it is located, without being considered an additional story, The mezzanine
may be closed to the room in which it is located as long as means of egress from
the mezzanine are in conformance with Section 505.2.2.
Section 505.22 Means of Egress is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
505.22 Means of egress. The means of egress for mezzanines shall comply with the
applicable provisions of Chapter 10. Habitable mezzanines within dwelling units shall.be
provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section 1030.
Section 705.3 Buildings on the same lot is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendment adding a third paragraph after the numbered Exceptions, to read as
follows:
Lines or walls that are established solely to delineate individual portions of a building or
of a planned unit development (PUD) need not be considered as property lines for the
purposes of this code, provided that such building is entirely located on property which is
under common ownership and further provided that required distances, set forth in
Section 503.1.2 for assumed property lines between buildings located on the same
property, are maintained,
Section 903.2.1.1 Group A-I is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
(24)
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-1 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of
the following conditions exists: ‘
L ‘The fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m’).
2. ‘The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such
oceupancis
4. The fire area contains a multitheater complex.
Section 903.2.1.3 Group A-3 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-3 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of
the following conditions exists: (25)
(26)
en
(28)
1 The fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m’).
2. Theffire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such
occupancies.
Section 903.2.1.4 Group A-4 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-4 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of
the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m?).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving
such occupancies. ,
A new Section 903.2.1.8 Group B is hereby added to read as follows:
903.2.1.8 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group B occupancies when the fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m’).
Section 903.2.3 Group E is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
93.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E
occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 5000 square feet (464.5 m2) in
area,
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the lowest level of exit
discharge serving that portion of the building.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the
lowest level of exit discharge serving that area where every classroom throughout the
building has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level.
Section 903.24 Group F-1 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
eit (29)
0)
G1
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions
exists:
1 A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m?),
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane
3. A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or
mattresses exceeds 2500 square feet (232 m’).
A new Section 903.2.4.2 Group F-2 is hereby added to read as follows:
903.2.4.2 Group F-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group F-2 occupancy where one of the following conditions
exists
1 A Group F-2 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5.m’).
2. A Group F:2 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
Section 903.2.6 Group I is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings
with a Group I fire area.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic sprinkler system is not required where group I-4 day care facilities are at
the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has not fewer
than one exterior exit door and the fire area does not exceed 5000 square feet (464.5 m*).
2. In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of exit
discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be
installed on the entire floor where care is provided, all floors between the level of care
and the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge other than
areas classified as an open parking garage.
Section 903.2.7 Group M is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout
buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
-14- 62)
63)
1 ‘A Group M fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m”).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane,
3. A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or
mattresses exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m’).
Section 903.2.9 Group S-1 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions
exists:
1 A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m’).
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. A Group S-I fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicle where the
{fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464
4. A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture, or
mattresses exceeds 2500 square (232m).
Section 903.2.9.1 Repair Garages is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
903.2.9.1 Repair garages.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair
garages in accordance with Section 406, as shown:
1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements,
with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 5000 square feet (464.5 m2).
2. Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing
a repair garage exceeding 5000 square feet (464.5 m*).
3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.
4. A Group S-I fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the
fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m?).
-15- G4)
G5)
(36)
67)
Section 903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-2 occupancy where one of thé
following conditions exists:
1 A Group S-2 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m’).
2. A Group S-2 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
Exception: Open Parking Garages
Section 903.2.11.1.3 Basements is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet
(22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, the basement shall be
equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Section 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems is hereby amended to read as follows
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic Sprinkler systems in Group R
‘occupancies shall be installéd throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 Section 903.3.1.1.
Exception: NFPA 13R is allowed when the following conditions exist:
1. The building does not contain more than 6 individual dwelling units and the units
are separated from each other with a 1 hour fire partition. -
Z The -building does not contain more than 12 individual dwelling units and is
divided into no more than 6 individual dwellings units (complying with number 1
above) by a minimum 2 hour fire partition
The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections
510.2 and 5104 shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate
buildings.
Section 907.2.11 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendment to add a new second paragraph thereto to read as
follows:
-16- When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing Group R Occupancies,
the entire building shall be provided with smoke detectors located and installed a
required for new Group R Occupancies as described herein.
(38) Section 1009.3 Stairways, is hereby preserved in its entirety with the following
amendments to the Exceptions listed therein:
Exceptions:
L
65,
Exist access stairways providing means of egress from mezzanines are permitted
as part of an accessible means of egress.
The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required in
buildings not more than 4 stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2.
e clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for
Stairways accessed from a refuge area ifi conjunction with a horizontal exit,
Areas of refuge ate not required at exit access stairways in buildings not more
than 4 stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Areas of refuuge ate not required at stairways serving open parking garages.
Areas of refuge are not required for smoke protected assembly seating arcas
complying with Section 1029.6.2.
Areas of refuge are not required at stainvays in Group R-2 occupancies.
Areas of refuge are not required for stairways accessed from a refuge area in
conjunction with a horizontal exit.
(39) Section 1009.4 Elevators is hereby preserved in its entirety with the following
amendments:
1009.4 Elevators. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an
elevator shall comply with the emergency operation and signaling device requirements of
Section 2.27 of ASME A17.1. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with
Chapter 27 and Section 3003
“17-4 (40) Section 1009.4 Elevators is further amended by the addition of a new Exception 6 to read
as follows:
6. Elevators in buildings not more than 4 stories above grade plane are not required
to be considered an accessible means of egress when the building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
1) Section 1009.6 Areas of refuge is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
1009.6 Areas of refuge Areas of refuge are not required in buildings not more than 4
stories above grade plane. Every required area of refuge shall be accessible from the
space it serves by an accessible means of egress.
(42) Section 1009.8 Two-way communication is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments to Exception #1:
Exception:
1, Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each
elevator or bank of elevators of buildings not required to provide areas of refuge in
accordance with section 1009.6.
(43) Section 1010.1.5 Floor elevation is hereby retained in its entirety with the addition of a
new Exception 7 to read as follows:
7. Exterior doors serving individual dwelling units, other than the main entrance
door to a divelling unit, may open at one intervening exterior step that is equally
spaced between the interior floor level above and exterior landing below,
provided that the step has a minimum tread depth of 12 inches, a maximum riser
height of 7 % inches (19.68cm), and a minimum width equal to the door width,
and further provided that the door does not swing over the step.
(44) Section 1010.1.5 Floor elevation is further amended by the addition of the following
paragraph after the Exceptions:
Ate (45)
(46)
(47)
All exterior steps, slabs, walks, decks and patios serving as exterior door landings or
exterior stairs shall be adequately and permanently secured in place by approved methods
to prevent such landings or stairs from being undermined or subject to significant
displacement due to improper placement of supporting backfill or due to inadequate
anchoring methods.
Section 1011.11 Handrails is hereby rétained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
1011.11 Handrails. Stairways of more than 1 riser shall have handrails on each side and
shall comply with Section 1014. Where glass is used to provide the handrail, the handrail
shall also comply with Section 2407.
Exceptions:
1. Stairways within dwelling units and spiral stairways are permitted to have a handrail
on one side only.
2. Decks, patios and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing
depth on each side of the change of elevation is greater than what is required for a
landing do not require handrails.
3. In Group R-3 occupancies, a change in elevation consisting of a single riser at an
entrance or egress door does not require handrails.
4, Changes in room elevations of three or fewer risers within dwelling units and
sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 do not require handrails.
Section 1015.8 Window openings is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments to the first paragraph to read as follows:
1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Group R-2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling
units, where the top of the sill of an operable window opening is located less than 24
inches (610 mm) above the finished floor and more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the
finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, shall comply
one of the following:
A new Section 1015.9 Below grade openings is hereby added (0 read as follows:
1015.9 Below grade openings. All area wells, stair wells and light wells attached to any
building that are located Jess than 36 inches from the nearest intended walking surface
and deeper than 36 inches below the surrounding ground level, creating an opening with
a horizontal dimension greater than 24 inches measured perpendicularly from the
building, with the side walls of such well having a slope steeper than 2 horizontal to 1
-19- (48)
(49)
(50)
vertical, shall be protected with guardrails conforming to this Section around the entire
opening, or be provided with an equivalent barrier.
Exceptions:
1. The access side of stairways need not be barricaded,
2. Area wells provided for emergency escape and rescue windows may be protected
with approved grates or covers that comply with Section 1029.4 of this code.
3. Covers and grates may be used over stairways and other openings used
exclusively for service access or for admitting light or ventilation.
Section 1030.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments
to Exceptions 1:
Exceptions:
1. Basements with a ceiling height of less than 72 inches (1828.8 mm) shall not be
required to have emergency escape and rescue openings.
Anew Section 1030.3.1 Minimum height from floor is hereby added to read as follows:
1030.3.1 Minimum height from floor. Emergency escape and rescue windows that are
located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade shall have a sill height
of not less than 24 inches (609 mm) measured from the finished interior side floor.
Exception: “
Emergency escape and rescue openings located over a roof surface with a slope of 4:12
or less and extending a minimum of 5 feet horizontally outward from the window.
Section 1030.5 Window Wells is hereby retained in its entirety with amendments adding
new exceptions to read as follows:
Exception:
With the window in the full open position, the bottom window well step may encroach a
maximum of 12, inches (304 mm) into the minimum horizontal projection, provided the
well meets the criteria of | and 2 below:
-20- (I)
(52)
(53)
1. The bottom of the well is not less than 36 inches wide (914 mm), centered
horizontally on the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue opening,
and
2. An unobstructed clear horizontal projection of 36 inches (914 mm) is maintained
at the centerline of the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door
or window.
A new Section 1030.5.3 Drainage is hereby added to read as follows:
1030.5.3 Drainage. All window wells shall be designed for proper drainage by
connecting to the building's foundation drainage system required by Section 1805.4.2 or
by an approved alternative method. The inlet to the drainage system shall be a minimum
of 4 inches (101 rium) below the window sill. Where no drains are required, the window
well surface shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101 mm) below the window sill.
Exceptions:
1. A drainage system for window wells is not required when the foundation is on
well-drained soil or sand-gravel mixture soils as determined by the foundation
engineer of record.
2. A drainage system is not required for new window wells on additions to existing
dwellings.
Section 1101.2 Design is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
1101.2 Design. Buildings and facilities shall be designed and constructed to be accessible
in accordance with this code and the most recently published edition of ICC A1I7.1 as
referenced by the building official.
Section 1103.1 Where required is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendment to add a new second paragraph to read as follows:
When the Building Review Board considers granting exceptions or variances either to
this chapter pursuant to Section 113 of this code or to Colorado Statutes pursuant to
Section 9-5-102, C.R.S., it shall require the applicant requesting the exception or variance
to demonstrate that the application of a particular standard or specification relating to
access for persons with disabilitics would impose an extraordinary hardship on the
subject property. For the purposes of this Section, an extraofdinary hardship shall mean a
substantial and unusual hardship that is the direct result of unique physical site conditions
such as terrain, topography or geology, or that is the direct result of other unique or
special conditions encountered on the subject property, but that are not typically
-21- (54)
(35)
encountered elsewhere in the City, Constraints, complications or difficulties that may
arise by complying with this chapter and/or with the statulory standards for accessibility
but that do not constitute an extraordinary hardship shall not serve to justify the granting
of an exception or variance.
Section 1107.2 Design is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendment to
add a new second and a new third paragraph to read as follows:
‘When any building or buildings, classified as Group R, Division 1 or Group R, Division 2
Occupancy, are constructed as a single building project (or any phase thereof) on any one
site, and such building project (or phase) contains one or more accessible dwelling units
as required by this chapter or Colorado law, said building project (or phase) shall be
constructed such that all such required accessible dwelling units in such building project
(or phase) provide the same functional features as are provided in the nonaccessible units
in such building project (or phase). Furthermore, all such functional features except
dwelling unit bedroom-types shall be provided in the same proportion as in the
nonaccessible units. Not less than 50 percent of the required accessible dwelling units
shall be constructed with the distribution of accessible dwelling unit bedroom-types
being proportionally the same as the distribution of nonaccessible dwelling unit bedroom-
types, provided that at least one of each dwelling unit bedroom-type constructed in the
building project (or phase) shall be an accessible dwelling unit
For purposes of this Section 1107.2, the following definitions shall apply. Dwelling unit
bedroom-type shall mean the number of bedrooms within the dwelling unit. Functional
feature shall mean a closet, garage, carport, patio, deck; additional room (such as a
bedroom, bathroom, den, storeroom, laundry or similar room) or any other significant
feature built at the time of original construction that offers occupants improved
convenience or comfort. Aesthetic or decorative features such as colors, architectural
design clements, trim and finish materials, decorative heating appliances not providing
the primary comfort heat source, lighting fixture style, cabinet and hardware style,
plumbing fixture style, the type and location of windows and glazed lights, or any similar
miscellaneous features shall not be construed as functional features.
3
Table 1107.6.1.1 Accessible Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units is hereby deleted in its
entirety and the following Table 1107.6.1.1 is hereby added in lieu thereof:
TABLE 1107.6.1.1
ACCESSIBLE DWELLING UNITS AND SLEEPING UNITS
Total number | Minimum required number of Minimum required —] Total number of required
of units accessible units without roll-in | number of accessible accessible units
provided showers units with rollin
___showers.
25m T o i 7
26-50 T 1 2
-22- (56)
a 2 2 a
76-100 3 2 a
101 150 5 2 | 7 x
151-200 6 2 sd
201 - 300 7 3 10
301 - 400, 8 4 2
401-500 9 4 1B
501 - 1000 2% of tral 1% of oul __ sof wal
(Over 1000 | 20, plus | for each 100, or fraction | 10, plus I for each 100, | 30, plus | for each 100,
thereof, over 1000 or fraction thereof, over | oF fraction thereof, over
1000 1000
Section 1203.4 Under-floor ventilation is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following
is hereby added in lieu thereof:
1203.4 Under-floor ventilation All exposed earth in a crawl space shall be covered with
a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches
(152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at
least 6 inches (152 mm) up the perimetér stem wall and any footing pads on grade, and be
permanently attached and sealed to the stem wall or footing pads.
1203.4.1 Crawl space. Crawl spaces shall be designed and constructed to be inside the
building thermal envelope, in accordance with the insulation and air sealing requirements
for craw! space walls and rim joists of Section N1102 of the International Residential
Code as amended or the International Energy Conservation Code as amended. Crawl
spaces shall not be vented to the exterior. They shall be conditioned using one of the
following approaches:
1. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic
foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7m2) of craw! space floor
area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer
grille);
2. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute
(0.47 Ls) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a return
air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille);
3. Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor
space is used as a plenum.
Exception:
Crawl spaces shall be permitted to be designed and constructed as unconditioned spaces,
outside the building thermal envelope, provided the following requirements are met:
rB- (57)
1. The floor above the crawl space is part of the building thermal envelope. It shall
meet the insulation requirements of Table N1102.1.1 of this code and shall be air-
+ « sealed in accordance with Section N1102.4.1 of this code.
2. Ventilation openings shall be placed through foundation walls or exterior walls.
‘The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be.less than 1 square foot
(0.0929 m2) for each 1,500 square feet (140 m2) of under-floor space area. One
such ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of each comer of the
building.
3. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the
following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not
exceed 1/4 inch (6.4 mm):
Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
Cast-iron grill or grating.
Extruded load-bearing brick vents,
Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being one-
(1/8) inch (3.2 mm) thick.
ighth
4. The installation of operable louvers is allowed.
Mechanical ventilation systems for spaces under below grade floors shall be designed by
a professional engineer, addréssing moisture controls and by approved methods
considering the impact of negative pressures created by exhaust fans, clothes dryers and
similar appliances.
1203.4.2 Ventilated under-floor spaces. Floor systems above ventilated under-floor
spaces, or floors open to the exterior with no enclosed space below shall be insulated to
R-30 in accordance with the adopted International Energy Conservation Code Table
402.1.1. The floor system shall be sealed to prevent heat loss and air infiltration,
‘Anew Section 1211 Radon-Resistant Construction is hereby added to read as follows:
1211 - Radon-resistant construction
1211.1 Scope. The provisions of this Section shall apply to new R-2, R-3, R-4
Occupancies, new I-1 occupancies, and new I-2 nursing homes. :
1211.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to provide minimum requirements to
enhance the public safety, health and general welfare, through construction methods
designed and installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings
regulated by this code.
-24- 1241.2 - Definitions
1211.2.1 General. For the purpose of this Section, the terms used shall be defined as
follows:
FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM. A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe,
or filter mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a
basement ot crawl space footing designed to collect and drain away excess subsurface
water. 2
RADON. A naturally occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable
by human senses, that can move readily through particles of soil and rock, and that can
accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter the living
space through construction cracks and openings.
SOIL-GAS-RETARDER. A continuous membrane of 3-mil (0.075 mm) cross-linked
polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a
building
SUBFLOOR. A concrete slab or other approved pérmanent floor system that directly
contacts the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building
SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM. A system designed to achieve
lower sub-membrane air pressure relative to craw! space air pressure by use of a vent
drawing air from beneath the soil-gas-retarder membrane.
SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Passive). A. system designed to
achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe
routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the sub-slab area with
outdoor air, thereby relying on the convective flow of air upward in the vent to draw air
from beneath the slab,
1211.3 - Requirements
1211.3.1 General. The following required construction methods are intended to resist
radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation.
1211.3.2 Subfloor preparation. A layer of gas-permeable material shall be placed under
all subfloors. The gas-permeable layer shall consist of one of the following methods
except that where fills of aggregate size less than that described in Method | are used
beneath a slab, Method 2,3, 4, or 5 must be used,
1. A.uniform layer of clean aggregate, a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick. The
aggregate shall consist of material that will pass through a 2 inch (51 mm) sieve
and be retained by a 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) sieve. In buildings where interior footings
or other barriers separate sub-grade areas, penetrations through the interior
-25- footing or barrier equal to a minimum of 12 square inches (0.094 m?) per 10 feet
(3.048 m) of barrier length shall be provided. A minimum of 2 penetrations shall
be provided per separation and be evenly spaced along the separation.
Exception:
In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, separate
radon vent pipes may be installed for each sub-grade area as specified in Section 121 1.5.2
in place of penetrations through the barrier.
2.
A foundation drain pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than
2,000 square feet (186 m*), consisting of a continuous loop of minimum 3 inch
(76 mm) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of the
pipe located 1-inch (25.4 mm) below the concrete slab. The pipe may be rigid or
flexible but shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air
space equal to 1.83 square inches per square foot (127 cm’/m’) of exterior pipe
surface area. Such pipe shall be wrapped with approved filter material to prevent
blocking of pipe perforations. The pipe loop shall be located inside of the exterior
perimeter foundation walls not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter
foundation walls. In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate
the sub-grade area, the loop of pipe shall penetrate or pass beneath such interior
footings or barriers. For slab areas greater than 2,000 square fect (186 m”) but less
than 4,000 square feet (372 m’), the preceding configuration may be used,
provided a minimum of 4 inch diameter (102 mm) pipe is installed. Slabs in
excess of 4,000 square feet (372 m’) shall have under them separate loops for
every additional 2,000 square feet (186 m*) of slab area when 3 inch (76 mm)
diameter pipe is used, or slabs may have separate loops provided for each
additional increment in area between 2,000 square feet (186 m*) and 4,000 square
feet (372 m) when 4-inch (102 mm) diameter pipe is used.
A foundation drain soil gas collection mat system installed under concrete floor
slab areas of 2,000 square feet (186 m’) or less, consisting of a continuous
rectilinear loop of soil gas collection mat or drainage mat having minimum
dimensions of 1 inch in height by 12 inches in width (25.4 mm in height x 305
mm in width) and a nominal cross-sectional air flow area of 12 square inches
(0.0078 m*) may be laid on top of the sub-grade, The mat shall be constructed of a
matrix that allows for the movement of air through it and be capable of supporting
the concrete placed upon it. The matrix shall be covered by approved filter
material on ail four sides to prevent dirt or concrete from entering the matrix. All
breaches and joints in the filter material shall be repaired prior to the placement of
the slab. The loop shall be located inside-the exterior perimeter foundation walls
and within 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls. In buildings
where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the mat shall
penetrate these interior footings or barriers to form a continuous loop around the
exterior perimeter.
26 Slabs larger'than 2,000 square feet (186 m?) but less than 4,000 square feet (372
m) shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop forming
two areas approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop.
Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet (372 m’) shall have separate loops for cach
2,000 (186 m*) square feet, or for each 4,000 square feet (372 m2) if a loop is
isected as specified in the preceding configuration.
4. A uniform layer of sand (native or fill), a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick,
overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the
lateral flow of soil gases.
5. Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to permit