When it comes to maintaining and upgrading existing buildings, understanding the Chapter 34 review process is essential. This review plays a crucial role in ensuring that structures comply with safety and accessibility standards, as well as code requirements, while respecting their historic and aesthetic significance. In this article, we will explore what Chapter 34 review entails, its importance in evaluating existing buildings, and the key considerations involved in this process.

Introduction to Chapter 34 Review

Chapter 34 review refers to the set of guidelines and procedures outlined in the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) that govern the evaluation and alteration of existing buildings. The main objective of this review is to balance the need for safety improvements with the preservation of existing structural elements and historic features. This process applies to structures existing prior to the adoption of the current building code and provides compliance alternatives that are tailored to the unique characteristics of each building.

Understanding what is Chapter 34 review is fundamental for property owners, building designers, engineers, and local authorities who are involved in maintaining or upgrading existing buildings. It ensures that buildings meet fire safety parameters, structural integrity requirements, and accessibility standards without imposing undue burdens that could compromise their historic or aesthetic value. Chapter 34 review is designed to ensure compliance with applicable codes while accommodating the unique challenges of existing buildings.

The applicable governing authority is responsible for interpreting and enforcing Chapter 34 requirements, especially in cases involving historic buildings or unique compliance challenges.

Evaluating Existing Buildings Under the International Existing Building Code Chapter 34

To evaluate existing buildings under Chapter 34, a comprehensive assessment of various factors that affect the building’s safety and functionality is required. As part of this process, and dependent on the project, a structural assessment must be conducted to evaluate the integrity and adequacy of the building’s structure. Special requirements apply to existing buildings located in flood hazard areas, particularly when substantial improvements or repairs are made, to bring them into compliance with new construction standards. This includes examining existing structural irregularity, gravity load carrying capacity, and the lateral force resisting system, which together determine how well the building can withstand wind or earthquake effects. The evaluation establishes compliance with safety and code requirements before any alterations or repairs are made.

One of the critical aspects of this evaluation is calculating demand capacity ratios to establish whether the existing structural elements can support the applicable load combinations, including dead and live loads. These calculations are often performed on a floor by floor basis to ensure accuracy for each occupancy level. This assessment helps identify if any new structural elements or specific seismic detailing requirements are necessary. Each existing element must be assessed for its load-bearing capacity and compliance with current standards.

Additionally, the evaluation considers the condition of existing nonstructural elements and safety systems such as electrical systems and fire suppression system features. Certain code requirements may not apply if the existing space or construction constraints prevent compliance. The fire safety score is also calculated as part of the assessment to measure overall safety compliance with building regulations and mandatory safety parameters. The importance of evaluating the existing system, such as seismic force-resisting systems, for performance and compliance is emphasized. Evaluating or upgrading the seismic force resisting system in existing structures is crucial to meet current seismic performance standards, and engineering analysis is required when altering these systems. The goal is to ensure that the entire building undergoes a thorough review to identify any distinct life safety hazard that may compromise public safety. Reviewing the building’s structural systems as a whole is essential to ensure safety and compliance.

Compliance and Alterations in Existing Buildings

Chapter 34 review provides proposed compliance alternatives that allow for flexibility when upgrading existing buildings. For example, when altering an existing toilet or creating accessible features such as an accessible room or assisted use toilet room, the code permits modifications that maintain the building’s historic character while meeting accessibility requirements. When it is technically infeasible to alter existing toilet and bathing rooms, the code may allow for the construction of a family or assisted-use toilet room in accordance with accessibility standards.

In some cases, buildings proposed for alteration might require the installation of new fire escapes or the enhancement of existing fire escapes constructed in such a manner as to provide appropriate protection values. These modifications must be carefully designed to maintain the lateral load path and gravity load carrying components without compromising the building’s integrity. For an altered building, it is necessary to assess any altered element subject to increased loads or changes in the structural system to ensure compliance with code requirements. When existing elevators are altered, they must comply with ASME A17.1 and ICC A117.1 standards, and if multiple elevators share a hall, they must respond to the same hall call control system.

Furthermore, the review addresses the challenge of maintaining accessible building entrances and accessible parking. As part of the following accessible features required during a complete change of occupancy, at least one accessible building entrance and designated accessible entrances must be provided, along with accessible routes, signage, and loading zones. If a locked accessible entrance restricts access, alternatives such as providing an accessible nonpublic entrance or lift access restricts may be considered, ensuring that the building remains maintained accessible for all users. It is also necessary to provide accessible dressing rooms and accessible rooms, ensuring at least one accessible room is available at the same location or, if not possible, on the same level as other dressing, fitting, or locker rooms.

For fire safety and compartmentalization, it is important to create separate compartments with fire barriers, especially for vertical openings between two or more floors, to maintain fire-resistance ratings and containment. When modifying building features such as fuel dispensers, existing curbs must be considered to ensure operable parts are installed at compliant heights.

The approval process for a new or proposed use of a building must address safety considerations, and when an addition is separated by a firewall meeting code standards, it is considered a separate building for compliance purposes. For such building and such elements, all alterations must meet the requirements for safety, sanitation, and occupancy classification.

Fire Safety and Life Safety Considerations

Fire safety is a paramount concern in the Chapter 34 review process. Buildings located within a registered historic district or those classified under a specific fire safety category must adhere to mandatory safety scores that reflect their fire safety parameters.

The review evaluates fire safety systems, including fire suppression system features and electrical systems, to ensure they meet current standards. When necessary, the code requires creating separate compartments within the building to contain fire and smoke, thereby protecting occupants and property.

Existing fire escapes and other safety systems are scrutinized to verify that they provide adequate egress and protection. Maintaining compliant means of egress is essential to ensure occupant safety during emergencies by providing safe exit routes. In cases where the entire building undergoes significant alteration, additional fire safety measures may be mandated to address any distinct life safety hazard identified during the evaluation.