1

2012 Virginia

Rehabilitation Code

Overview

Learning Objectives

• Why do we have a VRC?

• When and how to apply the VRC

• Different compliance methods

• Prescriptive

• Work area

• Performance

• How to classify the Work

Learning Objectives

• Different methods for Alterations

• Level 1

• Level 2

• Level 3

• Change of Occupancy

• Additions

• And the rest . . .

2

FOCUS EYE!

• VCC/IBC vs. VRC/IEBC

• Percentages (50% of floor or building)

• Work areas

• Work area to floors below

• Work area and/or corridors and/or exits and/or stairways

• Entire floors / stories

• Entire floors / stories to floors below

• Entire floors / stories + corridors + exits + stairways

• Entire building

• Available to the site

• Available to the building or floor

Why a VRC? - Housing

Why a VRC? - Commercial / Urban

3

“Incentivize –

don’t penalize”

“It is as safe or safer today

than it was yesterday”

Why the VRC?

4

Change of Occupancy

VCC 103.3

Greater degree

Accessibility

Structural strength

Fire protection

Means of egress

Ventilation

Sanitation

Change of Occupancy

Greater degree

To Group I-2 or I-3

Apply for new CO

Cannot comply w/IBC, AHJ shall consider

modifications

Comply with VRC 1012.8

(accessibility)

Other than Group I-2 or I-3

Comply with VRC

Change of Occupancy

VRC 103.2

Other than Group I-2 or I-3

Apply for new CO

Cannot comply w/VRC,

AHJ shall consider modifications

5

Change of Occupancy

Compliance Methods

Prescriptive

VRC Section 407

Work Area

VRC Chapter 10

Performance

VRC Sections 1401.2.1 or

1401.2.2

Additions

VCC 103.4

VCC / IBC

IBC Chapters 5 and 9

Cannot lower current level of

safety

VRC / IEBC

VRC 102.2

Additions

Compliance Methods

Prescriptive

VRC Section 402

Work Area

VRC Chapter 11

Performance

VRC Section 1401.2.3

6

When to apply the VRC

• VCC 103.5 Reconstruction, alteration or repair in Group R-5 occupancies

• Exception 3 – Compliance with VRC shall be acceptable alternative

When to apply the VRC

• VCC 103.6 Reconstruction, alteration, and repair in other [than Group R-5] occupancies

• . . . shall comply with the VRC

When to apply the VRC

• VCC 103.7 Retrofit requirements

• . . . shall enforce the provisions of Section 1701 of the VRC

7

Basically a duplication of

2012 IBC

Section 3412 –

Compliance alternatives

How to apply the VRC

Prescriptive

Compliance

Method

Work Area

Compliance

Method

Performance

Compliance

Method

Chapter 4 Chapters 5-13 Chapter 14

Basically a duplication of

2012 IBC Sections

3401-3411

New concept

iCodes

VCC Chapter 1

VRC Chapters 1-3

How to apply the VRC

• Chapter 1 – Administration – Virginia amendment

• Chapter 2 – Definitions – with Virginia amendments

• Chapter 3 – Compliance Methods

• Chapter 4 – Prescriptive Compliance Method

• Chapter 5 – Classification of Work

• Chapter 6 – Repairs

• Chapter 7 – Alterations – Level 1

• Chapter 8 – Alterations – Level 2 – with Virginia amendments

• Chapter 9 – Alterations – Level 3

• Chapter 10 – Change of Occupancy

• Chapter 11 – Additions

• Chapter 12 – Historic Buildings – with Virginia amendments

• Chapter 13 – Relocated or Moved Buildings

• Chapter 14 – Performance Compliance Method – with Virginia amendments

• Chapter 15 – Construction Safeguards

• Chapter 16 – Referenced Standards – with Virginia amendments

• Chapter 17 – Retrofit Requirements – Virginia amendment

How to apply the VRC • VRC has very few changes to the 2012 IEBC

(other than Chapters 1 and 17)

Definitions Level 2 Historic

Performance

8

How to apply the VRC

Is this alteration more than 50% of the floor/story?

Is this a “work area”?

Does the means of egress section

apply?

Is this a Level 1, 2, or 3 alteration?

Is this a repair or alteration?

What are the limits of the

“work area”?

Do supplemental requirements

apply?

Does the VRC or VCC apply here?

Is this an existing building?

Is this a change of occupancy?

What compliance method is being

proposed?

Is this an existing unsafe

condition?

Is this more than 50% of the building?

Is water available to the site / building /

floor?

“The single biggest problem

in communication . . .

. . . is the illusion that it has taken place”

- George Bernard Shaw

How to apply the VRC

• VRC supersedes “other” iCodes

• Regardless of stringency or specificity

• You only need to comply with the iCodes when the VRC sends you there

9

ADDITION

• Note: Definition is different between

• IBC

• VRC

ADDITION

10

• Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than a repair or addition.

• Alterations are classified as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (not included in IBC definition)

ALTERATION

“as described” Level 1 alterations

“as described” Level 2 alterations

11

“as described” Level 3 alterations

Work Area Method – Alterations

CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

• Note: Definition is different between

• VCC (Virginia amendment)

• VRC

• SFPC (does not include level of activity)

12

• Note: Definition is different between

• IBC

• VRC

REPAIRS

Basically a duplication of

2012 IBC

Section 3412 –

Compliance alternatives

Compliance Methods

Prescriptive

Compliance

Method

Work Area

Compliance

Method

Performance

Compliance

Method

Chapter 4 Chapters 5-13 Chapter 14

Basically a duplication of

2012 IBC Sections

3401-3411

New concept

iCodes

VCC Chapter 1

VRC Chapters 1-3

13

Compliance Methods – there is a 4th!

VRC 301.1

Subject to the approval of . . .

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• Intended to be used in conjunction with the maintenance and prevention codes utilizing mostly provisions from all of the referenced iCodes

• If you are used to the IBC and want to keep it that way, this is probably the method for you

14

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• Basically duplicates the provisions from 2012 IBC Sections 3401-3411

• Additions (deleted by 2009 VCC and addressed in VCC Chapter 1)

• Alterations (deleted by 2009 VCC and addressed in VCC Chapter 1)

• Repairs (deleted by 2009 VCC and addressed in VCC Chapter 1)

• Fire escapes (deleted by 2009 VCC and addressed in VCC Chapter 1)

• Glass replacement

• Change of Occupancy (deleted by 2009 VCC and addressed in VCC Ch. 1)

• Historic Buildings

• Moved structures (deleted by 2009 VCC and addressed in VCC Ch. 1)

• Accessibility for Existing Buildings

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• Basically duplicates the provisions from 2012 IBC Sections 3401-3411

• Additions

• Alterations

• Repairs

• Fire escapes

• Glass replacement

• Change of Occupancy

• Historic Buildings

• Moved structures

• Accessibility for Existing Buildings

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• VRC Section 402 – Additions

• Comply with the IBC

• Alterations to the existing building together with the addition shall not be less conforming to the IBC than it was prior to the addition

• Together, they must comply with the height and area provisions of Chapter 5 of the IBC

• Gravity loads greater than 5% must comply with IBC

• Lateral loads greater than 10% must comply with IBC

• Smoke alarms shall be provided in existing buildings of Group R or I-1 occupancy when an addition is made to such buildings

15

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• VRC Section 403 – Alterations

• Comply with the IBC – except • Existing materials can remain

• New/replacement materials

• Like materials are permitted for repairs and alterations

• Otherwise, comply with the IBC

• Gravity loads greater than 5% must comply with IBC

• Lateral loads must comply with IBC

• Smoke alarms shall be provided in existing sleeping/dwelling units in Group R or I-1 occupancies when an addition is made to such buildings

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• VRC Section 404 – Repairs

• New/replacement materials • Like materials are permitted for repairs and alterations

• Routine maintenance, ordinary repairs exempt from permit, and wear due to normal use are outside of this code

• Substantial structural damage

• Less than substantial structural damage

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• VRC Section 405 – Fire escapes

• Existing can remain

• Permitted only where exterior stairways cannot be used due to lot lines

• Not allowed by IBC

16

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• VRC Section 407 – Change of occupancy

• Comply with the IBC for such change

• Such change shall be allowed without conforming to all of the requirements of this code provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• VRC Section 408 – Historic buildings

• The provisions of this code shall not be mandatory where such buildings do not constitute a distinct life safety hazard

Prescriptive Compliance Method

• VRC Section 410 – Accessibility

• Maintain accessibility during construction

• Cannot require greater degree than the IBC would require

• Cannot lower existing level of accessibility

• Complete change of occupancy • Comply with partial change and provide those 6 elements

• Partial change of occupancy • Comply with VRC 410.6 (Alterations), VRC 410.7 (Primary function), and

VRC 410.8 (specific alterations to elements for less than full compliance)

• Historic buildings • Allows for alternatives regarding site arrival, multilevel buildings,

entrances, and toilet facilities

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Accessibility

Facility that is altered

VRC Sections 410.8.1 – 410.8.14

IBC Chapter 11

ICC A117.1

Do exceptions

apply? No

Technically infeasible?

Yes

Maximum extent

possible

Accessibility

• Conditions under which less than full compliance is required

• Entrances

• Elevators

• Platform lifts

• Ramps

• Dining areas

• Performance areas

• Jury boxes and witness stands

• Accessible units

• Type A units

• Toilet rooms

• Dressing, fitting and locker rooms

• Fuel dispensers

• Thresholds

• Extent of application

Primary function

When an alteration

affects the accessibility

to or contains

an area of primary function

the route to the primary

function shall be accessible

toilet facilities

drinking fountains

or

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VRC 410.7 (and VRC 705.2), Exception 1: The costs of providing the accessible route

are not required to exceed 20% of the costs of the alterations

affecting the area of primary function.

20% Rule?

• Replacing existing HVAC ductwork and equipment throughout entire building

• Cost: $3,000,000

20% Rule?

• Renovating an auditorium to provide additional wheelchair seating (integration and dispersion), companion seats, designated aisle seats, and access to the stage (ramps and platform lift)

• Cost: $10,000,000

• Elsewhere in the building, there are no accessible routes to the classrooms and toilets

19

20% Rule

• Replacing existing football field press box , new sod at football field, and new press box at baseball fields

• Cost: $10,000,000

Accessibility in the 2012 VRC Scope of work

Prescriptive Compliance Method

Work Area Compliance Method

Performance Compliance Method

Repairs NA

605.1 (maintains the level provided)

NA

Alterations 410.6 705.1 1401.2.5 / 410.6

Alterations affecting accessibility to or contains an area of Primary Function

410.7 705.2 1401.2.5 / 410.7

Other alterations 410.8.1 – 410.8.14

705.1.1 – 705.1.14 (Level 1) / 806 (Level 2) / 906 (Level 3)

1401.2.5 / 410.8.1 – 410.8.14

Partial change of occupancy 410.4.1 1012.8.1 1401.2.5 / 410.4.1

Complete change of occupancy 410.4.2 1012.8.2 1401.2.5 / 410.4.2

Addition 410.5

1105.1 / 705 / 806 / 906

Driven by classification of the work

Historic building - alterations 410.9

1204.1 / 705 / 806 / 906

1401.2.5 / 410.9

Historic building – alterations: alternative requirements

410.9.1 – 410.9.4 1204.1.1 – 1204.9.4 1401.2.5 /

410.9.1 – 410.9.4

Historic building – change of occupancy

410.9 1205.15 1401.2.5 / 410.9

Historic building – change of occupancy: alternative requirements

410.9.1 – 410.9.4 1204.1.1 – 1204.9.4 1401.2.5 /

410.9.1 – 410.9.4

Moved building NA NA NA

Classification of Work

• Do not assume that because this chapter is called “Classification of Work,” that everything associated with this chapter must be a “work area” (italicized meaning a defined word)

• It does not say, “Classification of Work Areas”

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Classification of Work

• Repairs (VRC Chapter 6)

• Alterations

• Level 1 (VRC Chapter 7)

• Level 2 (VRC Chapter 8 . . . and 7) • 1st time work area is introduced

• Might include work area(s) – otherwise, they would just be Level 2 alterations

• Level 3 (VRC Chapter 9 . . . and 8 . . . and 7) • Must include work area(s)

Classification of Work

• Change of Occupancy (VRC Chapter 10)

• Does not necessarily mean work area(s)

• Alteration-driven and change of occupancy-driven requirements

• Additions (VRC Chapter 11)

• Except for the affects on the existing building, must comply with the IBC

• Historic Buildings (VRC Chapter 12)

• Moved Buildings (VRC Chapter 13)

Repairs Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Change of

occupancy

Additions New construction

(IBC)

Work Area Coompliance Method – Proportional approach

Work Area Method - VRC

Alterations

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WORK AREA COMPLIANCE

METHOD

(next 9 chapters)

Repairs

• Confirm when you can use “like” materials versus IBC-compliant materials

• Glazing: new

• Electrical: like

• Mechanical: like • If it doesn’t make the system less conforming

• Plumbing: new

Fire Protection (maintain existing level of protection)

22

Means of egress (maintain existing level of protection)

Accessibility (maintain existing level of accessibility)

Structural

• Gets heavily into structural repairs

• Basically must comply with the IBC

• Structural and non-structural damage • Less than substantial

• Substantial

23

“as described” Level 1 alterations

Chapter 7 breakdown

• General

• Building elements and materials

• Fire protection

• Means of egress

• Accessibility

• Structural

• Energy conservation

Level 1 applies to ALL levels

24

Interior finishes

Materials and methods per the relevant iCode

Materials and methods per the relevant iCode

material standards

detail of installation & connections joints

penetrations continuity

25

Fire Protection (maintain existing level of protection)

What is fire protection?

Means of egress (maintain existing level of protection)

26

Accessibility (scoping w/ exceptions;

and addresses primary function)

Accessibility

Facility that is altered

VRC Sections 705.1.1 – 705.1.14

IBC Chapter 11

ICC A117.1

Do exceptions

apply? No

Technically infeasible?

Yes

Maximum extent

possible

Accessibility in the 2012 VRC Scope of work

Prescriptive Compliance Method

Work Area Compliance Method

Performance Compliance Method

Repairs NA

605.1 (maintains the level provided)

NA

Alterations 410.6 705.1 1401.2.5 / 410.6

Alterations affecting accessibility to or contains an area of Primary Function

410.7 705.2 1401.2.5 / 410.7

Other alterations 410.8.1 – 410.8.14

705.1.1 – 705.1.14 (Level 1) / 806 (Level 2) / 906 (Level 3)

1401.2.5 / 410.8.1 – 410.8.14

Partial change of occupancy 410.4.1 1012.8.1 1401.2.5 / 410.4.1

Complete change of occupancy 410.4.2 1012.8.2 1401.2.5 / 410.4.2

Addition 410.5

1105.1 / 705 / 806 / 906

Driven by classification of the work

Historic building - alterations 410.9

1204.1 / 705 / 806 / 906

1401.2.5 / 410.9

Historic building – alterations: alternative requirements

410.9.1 – 410.9.4 1204.1.1 – 1204.9.4 1401.2.5 /

410.9.1 – 410.9.4

Historic building – change of occupancy

410.9 1205.15 1401.2.5 / 410.9

Historic building – change of occupancy: alternative requirements

410.9.1 – 410.9.4 1204.1.1 – 1204.9.4 1401.2.5 /

410.9.1 – 410.9.4

Moved building NA NA NA

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Structural (support of new equipment and materials)

Re-roofing and bracing

Energy conservation

28

Level 1 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Interior finishes IBC IBC

Materials and methods IBC IBC

Fire protection Maintain existing Rated

Means of egress Maintain existing Full compliance

Structural IBC w/exceptions IBC

Energy conservation Only new components Full compliance w/IECC

Accessibility Limited / exceptions Entire facility / full

Chapter 8 breakdown

• General

• Special use and occupancy

• Building elements and materials

• Fire protection

• Means of egress

• Accessibility

• Structural

• Electrical

• Mechanical

• Plumbing

• Energy conservation

“as described” Level 2 alterations

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Level 2 Alterations

• Work areas up to and including 50% of the aggregate area of the building

• Work areas over 50% would be considered a Level 3 alteration

≤50

>50

Level 2 Alterations

• Supplemental requirements apply when the work area exceeds 50% of the floor area on any floor

• Shaft enclosures

• Floor opening enclosures

• Stairways

• Interior finishes

• Sprinkler system

• Fire alarm system

• Door swings, door closing, panic hardware

• Corridor openings

• Means of egress lighting

• Exit signs

It becomes very critical to determine what

is and what

is not a work area

30

RECONFIGURED SPACE

• The floor area of a building where walls are proposed to be added, relocated, or removed.

RECONFIGURED SPACE

• The floor area of a building where walls are proposed to be added, relocated, or removed.

31

RECONFIGURED SPACE

• The floor area of a building where walls are proposed to be added, relocated, or removed.

RECONFIGURED SPACE

• The floor area of a building where walls are proposed to be added, relocated, or removed.

RECONFIGURED SPACE

• The floor area of a building where walls are proposed to be added, relocated, or removed.

Before After

32

Scope – Level 2 alterations

• VRC 801.1 Exception

• Buildings in which the reconfiguration is exclusively the result of compliance with the accessibility requirements of Section 705.2 shall be permitted to comply with Chapter 7

Chapter 7 (Level 1) also applies

Materials and methods per the relevant iCode

(w/ exceptions)

33

Scoping Requirements VRC Section 803 Building Elements & Materials

Limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations are being performed and beyond where specified

34

Scoping for VRC Section 803

• Vertical openings

• In work areas only, or where specified

• Smoke barriers

• In Group I-2 only

• Interior finish

• In exits and corridors in any work area

• Guards

• In work areas only

Existing vertical openings

Interior existing vertical openings connecting 2 or more floors

shall be enclosed with not less than 1 hour rated construction

Exceptions

There are 14 exceptions

35

Scoping Requirements VRC Section 804 Fire Protection

Limited to work areas in which Level 2 alterations are being performed and beyond where specified

36

Automatic sprinkler systems

Grouped into four segments: High-rises

Bunch of Groups Windowless stories

Other buildings and areas

Bunch of Groups

Fire alarm and detection

• Provide in works areas of Groups E, I-1, I-2, I-3, R-2, and R-4; and in all R-1 occupancies as required by the IFC

37

Level 2 Alterations: Means of egress

How many conditions (prior to the first comma)

must be met before this provision applies?

Level 2 Alterations: Means of egress

2 3

4 5

1

otherwise . . .

38

Means of egress (maintain existing level of protection)

Level 2 Alterations: Means of egress – Virginia amendment

STOP HERE . . . unless you have non-conforming existing means of egress

Minimum number of exits

39

Exceptions

VRC 805.3.1.1 (one exit) is essentially 10 exceptions to VRC 805.3.1

Fire escapes

Egress doorways

• Occupant load and travel distance

• Work area, occupant load greater than 50, travel distance greater than 75 feet – with exceptions

• Door swing

• Work area, serving occupant load greater than 50

• Supplemental requirements – with exception

• Door closing

• Work area, opening onto exit passageway at grade, exit stair – with exceptions

40

Egress doorways

• Panic hardware

• Work area, egress path from work area to exit discharge, in buildings w/ Group A, w/ occupant load greater than 100, doors w/ latching devices

• Supplemental requirements – with exception

Openings in corridors

• Openings in corridor walls

• Work area with exception

• Corridor doors with exceptions

• Transoms

• Other openings w/ supplemental requirements and exceptions

Egress elements

• Dead-end corridors

• Work area with exceptions

• Means-of-egress lighting

• Work areas, supplemental requirements with exception

• Exit signs

• Work areas, supplemental requirements with exception

41

Egress elements

• Handrails

• Work area floor to and including the level of exit discharge

• Guards

• Work area floor to and including the level of exit discharge, but

• Confined to the egress path of any work area

Accessibility

• In addition to compliance with VRC Section 705 . . .

• Adding a stair and/or escalator

• IBC Sections 1104.4 and 1104.5

• Accessible (Type A and B) dwelling units and sleeping units

• IBC Section 1107 and IBC Chapter 9 (visible alarms)

Structural Structural alterations w/ Level 2 alterations

New structure

Existing structure -

gravity

Existing structure -

lateral

IBC Shall not reduce or prove can carry per

IBC

IBC

Do exceptions

apply?

VRC Section 706

Voluntary lateral

Not required to meet

IBC

Engineering analysis

42

Electrical

Electrical alterations w/in work areas only

New installations

Existing installations

Certain Residential

occupancies

VRC 702.4

Limited Groups

VRC 808.3.1-.7

VRC 702.4

Mechanical

Mechanical alterations

Reconfigured or converted spaces

Mechanically ventilated

spaces

New stuff that creates

bad stuff

IMC (work areas)

Altered, reconfigured, or extended

Local exhaust

5 CFM outdoor and 15 CFM ventilation;

or ASHRAE 62

VRC 809.2

(existing)

Minimum plumbing fixtures

43

Level 2 Alterations: Plumbing

• Existing occupant load (on that floor) = 100

• Increased occupant load by 20% = 20 occupants added

• Do I need to do anything?

• Increased occupant load by 24% = 24 occupants added

• Do I need to do anything?

Energy conservation

Level 2 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Building elements and materials

Work area(s) only Entire building

Vertical openings 1-hour w/14 exceptions

1-, 2-, or 3-hour

44

Level 2 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Interior finishes IBC w/exception (treated w/ coating)

Full compliance

Reduced corridor ratings

Sprinkler on floor and stairwell only

Entire building

Sprinkler system High-rise (work areas with corridors shared

by more than one tenant or serving more

than 30 occupants)

Entire building

Level 2 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Sprinkler system Other (work area(s) with corridors shared

by more than one tenant or serving more

than 30 occupants – but only if required by IBC and work area exceeds 50% of floor area (fire pump exception – to

the floor)

Entire building (depending

on use group)

Standpipes Work area(s) with corridors shared by

more than one tenant - 50 feet above fire

department access (fire pump exception)

Entire building (30 feet above fire

department access)

Level 2 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Fire alarm Work area(s) only (does not apply to

Groups A, B, F, H, M)

Entire building (all those Groups)

Means of egress Work area(s) with corridors shared by

more than one tenant within the work area

(otherwise, just maintain existing)

Entire building

45

Level 2 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Single-exit 10 “exceptions” Very limited

Fire escapes Allowed Not allowed (except for helipads)

Doors in rated corridor Solid core doors (w/five exceptions

to being rated)

Rated doors

Dead-end corridors 35 feet (or 50 or 70 feet depending on Group

20 feet (or 50 depending on Group)

Handrails Allowed on one side Both sides

Accessibility Where dwelling or sleeping units are added, only those

added require visible alarms

All dwelling or sleeping units

Level 2 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Accessibility Where more than 20 Type A dwelling or sleeping units are added, only those

added require visible alarms

All dwelling or sleeping units

Accessibility Where more than 4 Type B dwelling or sleeping units are added, only those

added require visible alarms

All dwelling or sleeping units

Structural loads No more than 5% Full compliance

Electrical Work area(s) only Entire building

Level 2 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Mechanical Ventilation in work area(s) only

Heating and ventilation throughout entire

building

Energy conservation Only new components IECC

Plumbing Occupant load of each story increased

by more than 20%

IPC

46

Chapter 9 breakdown

• General

• Special use and occupancy

• Building elements and materials

• Fire protection

• Means of egress

• Accessibility

• Structural

• Energy conservation

“as described” Level 3 alterations

Level 3 Alterations (must comply with Chapters 7 & 8)

47

VRC Sections 803 (building elements and materials), 804 (fire protection), and 805 (means of egress)

. . . apply in work areas whether or not they include exits and corridors shared by more than one tenant and regardless of occupant load

Level 3 alterations

• VRC 901.2 Exception

• If the alterations affecting exits or shared egress access is exclusively the result of VRC Section 705.2 (primary function), then VRC Chapter 9 does not apply

Existing Stairways

Existing stairways

VRC Section 803.2.1

Highest work area floor to, and

including, level of exit discharge and all

floors below

Part of means of egress

Enclosed

Determine if

exceptions apply

VRC Section

803

VRC Section

702

Not less than 1-hour w/ opening

protectives

48

Work area

Stairway enclosure

(VRC 803.2.1 has 14 exceptions)

Interior finish

Interior finish

VRC Section 803.4

Between highest

work area floor to

floor of exit discharge

In exits

Serving the work

area

VRC Sections 702.1 – 702.3

Fire protection

Automatic sprinkler system

High-rise buildings

Rubbish and linen

chutes

Work areas only

VRC Section 804.2

49

Fire protection

Fire alarm and detection systems

Manual fire alarm systems

Automatic fire

detection

Work areas only

Where required by

IBC 907

Means of egress

VRC Section 905.1

VRC Section

805

Means-of-egress lighting

Exit signs

Work areas only

Highest work area

floor to floor of

exit discharge

Accessibility

VRC Section 906.1

VRC Sections 806 and 705

Type B units

IBC Section 1107 and

IBC Chapter 9

4 or more in various

Groups

50

Structural

Structural alterations

New structure

Existing structure -

gravity

Existing structure -

lateral

VRC Section 807.2

IBC and VRC Section

301.1.4.2

VRC Section 807.4

VRC Section 907.4

Do exceptions

apply?

No

VRC Section 807.5

VRC Section 301.1.4.2

VRC Section 301.1.4.2

Substantial alterations

Limited alterations

Wall anchors

Bracing Evaluation & analysis

VRC Section 706

Energy conservation

Level 3 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Stairways From highest work area floor to level of exit

discharge

Entire height

51

Level 3 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Interior finishes In exits serving work area(s) between highest work area floor to level

of exit discharge

Entire height

Attached dwelling separation

Not continuous: Materials consistent

with existing wall

Compliant materials

Sprinkler system High-rise (work areas with sufficient water

supply to the site)

Entire building

Manual fire alarm (pull station)

Work area(s) only Throughout entire building

Level 3 Alterations

Component VRC IBC

Means of egress VCC amendment (compliance with code

under which it was constructed)

Entire building

Energy conservation Only new components Full compliance w/IECC

Sections 1007 through 1011

Chapters 9, 8, 7

Section 1012

Change of Occupancy

Change in occupancy (no alterations or

repairs)

Repair or alteration

Alteration-driven

Change of occupancy-driven

No change of occupancy classification

Change of occupancy classification

Chapters 9, 8, 7, 6

The requirements of this section overlay those

of Chapters 7-9

Work area requirements apply only if

you have a work area

Generally must comply with

IBC, IMC, IPC, and

NFPA 70/NEC

Work area requirements apply only if

you have a work area

and

52

Portion without separation

Section 1012 Change of Occupancy Classification – Alteration-driven

Change of Occupancy Classification

Throughout building

Only that portion

Chapter 9 (8 and 7)

Portion with separation

Based on most restrictive occupancy classification

from adjacent spaces with fire barriers

Chapter 9 (8 and 7)

Change to a higher hazard

Section 1012 Change of Occupancy Classification – COOC-driven

Change of Occupancy Classification

IBC Deemed acceptable or comply with VRC

Means of egress, height & area, exterior wall exposure

Change to an equal or lower

hazard

Sprinklers, fire alarm and

detection, interior finishes,

accessibility (partial COOC)

Throughout building

Only where the COOC occurs

Vertical shafts, accessibility

(complete COOC)

IBC

Change of Occupancy

• The work area concept does not apply to change of occupancy classification – unless such changes meet the definition of work area

• In other words, just because an entire building is undergoing a change of occupancy does not mean the entire building is automatically a work area

53

Change of Occupancy

• VRC 1001.1 Scope

• Change of occupancy classification (A1 to A2)

• Occupancy group designation changes (E to B)

• Occupancy classification is not changed (A-3 to A-3)

• Change of purpose or level of activity

• A-3

• Library

• Art Gallery

• Gymnasium

• Large lecture Halls

• A-2

• Restaurant to night club

Change of Occupancy Classification

• VRC 1012.1.3 Change of occupancy classification based on hazard category

• Occupancy groups were evaluated in which the degree of inherent hazards of an occupancy group differ

• Like results were grouped and then assigned a rating number, 1 through 4 or 5

• The lower the number, the higher the hazard

• Tables are used to determine whether a change of occupancy classification is to a higher, lower, or equivalent occupancy classification

Change of Occupancy Classification: Means of Egress

• What about R-5?

• Will be taught to consider like R-3

54

Change of Occupancy Classification: Means of Egress

• VRC 1012.4.1 Change to higher hazard category

• Must comply with the IBC Chapter 10 • There are seven (7) exceptions

Change of Occupancy Classification: Means of Egress

• VRC 1012.4.2 Change to equal or lower hazard category

• Existing elements of the means of egress shall comply with VRC Chapter 9 for the new occupancy classification

• Newly constructed or configured means of egress shall comply with the IBC Chapter 10

Change of Occupancy Classification: Heights and areas

• R-5 = R-3

55

Change of Occupancy Classification: Heights and areas

• VRC 1012.5.1 Change to higher hazard category

• Must comply with the IBC Chapter 5 • Fire wall alternative

• In other than Groups H, F-1 and S-1, in lieu of fire walls, use of fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that specified in the IBC, shall be permitted in buildings protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system

Eiffel Tower 1889 - 984 FT

The Gherkin 2004 – 590 FT

Empire State Building 1931 – 1,454 FT

Taipei 101 2004 – 1,677 FT

Burj Khalifa 2010 – 2,717 FT

Nakheel Tower Never built – 4,593 FT

High-rise 75FT

• VRC 1012.5.2

Change to equal

or lower hazard

category • The height and

area of the

existing building

shall be deemed

acceptable

Change of Occupancy Classification: Heights and areas

Change of Occupancy Classification: Enclosure of vertical shafts

• Stairways

• To a higher hazard • IBC

• 3 exceptions

• Other than stairways

• To a higher hazard • IBC

• 2 exceptions

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Change of Occupancy Classification: Accessibility

• VRC 1012.8.1 Partial

• That portion shall comply with VRC Sections 705, 806, and 906, as applicable

• VRC 1012.8.2 Complete

• Entire building shall comply with VRC Section 1012.8.1 and the following:

Additions

• Addition(s) must comply with the VCC

• Existing building

• Impact from addition: VRC

• “New” work w/in building: VRC

Additions

• VRC 1102.1 Height limitations

• No addition shall increase the height of an existing building beyond that permitted under the IBC

• Addition + Existing = IBC Chapter 5

• Based on lowest construction type

• VRC 1102.2 Area limitations

• No addition shall increase the area of an existing building beyond that permitted under the IBC, unless fire separation is provided per IBC

• Addition + Existing = IBC Chapter 5

• Based on lowest construction type

57

Additions

• VRC 1102.3 Fire protection systems

• If an addition increases an existing building’s fire area or areas to a level that is required to have fire protection systems by Chapter 9 of the IBC, those fire areas must comply with IBC Chapter 9 requirements, both in the addition and the existing building

• The VRC provides no exceptions to the sprinkler threshold limits given in Chapter 9 of the IBC

• Existing area is below sprinkler threshold (e.g., 4,000 SF)

• Add SF that exceeds the threshold (e.g., added 2,000 SF and threshold is 5,000 SF)

• Must sprinkle both the existing and new area (all 6,000 SF) – not just the new area

Additions: Structural

• VRC 1103.2 Additional gravity loads

• Existing structural elements supporting any additional gravity loads as a result of additions shall comply with the IBC

• Exception: Structural elements whose stress is not increased by more than 5%

• Lateral-force-resisting system

• Vertical addition

• Horizontal addition

• Addition of structural elements to improve existing

• Snow drifts

• Flood hazard areas

Historic Buildings

• VRC provides a means for the preservation of historic buildings

• Allows for a departure from full compliance with the I-Codes, without compromising the minimum standards for fire prevention and life safety features

58

Historic Buildings

Relocated or Moved Buildings

• Safe for human occupancy

• Per IFC and VMC

• Location on lot

• Per IBC / IRC

• Foundation

• Per IBC / IRC

• Wind loads

• Per IBC / IRC

• Seismic loads

• Per IBC / IRC

• Snow loads

• Per IBC / IRC

• Flood hazard

• Per IBC Section 1612

• Inspection and repairs

• Structural elements and connections

Performance Compliance Methods

• VRC 1401.6 Evaluation process

• Basically duplicates 2012 IBC Section 3412.5

• Must evaluate all listed categories in terms of • Fire safety

• Means of egress

• General safety

59

Performance Compliance Methods

IEBC VRC

Performance Compliance Methods

• Categories

• Building height

• Building area

• Compartmentation

• Corridor walls

• Tenant and dwelling unit separations

• Vertical openings

• HVAC systems

• Automatic fire detection

• Fire alarm systems

• Smoke control

• Means-of-egress capacity and number

• Dead ends

• Elevator control

• Means-of-egress emergency lighting

• Mixed occupancies

• Automatic sprinklers

• Standpipes

• Incidental uses

Performance Compliance Methods

• VRC 1401.7 Building score

• Enter into “Summary Sheet”

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Performance Compliance Methods

• VRC 1401.8 Mandatory safety scores

Performance Compliance Methods

• VRC 1401.9 Evaluation of building safety

• Mandatory safety scores subtracted from building score for each category

Retrofit requirements

• Basically duplicates 2009 VCC 3413

• Since these retrofit requirements have been around for a few code cycles, it is anticipated that the effect of these requirements should be limited • Smoke detectors

• Fire detection system

• Fire suppression (sprinklers)

• Fire extinguishers

• Replacement glass

• Posting of occupant loads in assembly spaces

61

What compliance method?

• Prescriptive

• The traditional way of dealing with existing buildings (basically the old IBC Chapter 34)

• Intended to be used in conjunction with the maintenance and fire prevention codes utilizing mostly provisions from all of the referenced iCodes

• If you are used to the IBC and want to keep that way, this is the method for you

What compliance method?

• Work area

• Intended to be a proportional approach that gains compliance with the iCodes over a period of time

• “Upgrades” are generally triggered by the type and extent of the work

• Recognized as enhancing the level of safety but is not equal to that found in the iCodes

• Less stringent than the iCodes and therefore, potentially less costly

What compliance method?

• Performance

• Basically, the “compliance alternative” way of dealing with existing buildings (the old IBC Section 3412)

• Recognizes that most buildings that would utilize this method were built prior to any comprehensive building codes being adopted and are often not equipped with the types of systems and features that “modern” building codes require

62

What compliance method?

• VRC 301.1, Exception

• Appropriate for certain scopes of work – but only for alterations