Download 1325_Comment21 - Florida Building Commission

Proposed Modification to the Florida Building Code
Modification #:
Section 553.73, Fla Stat
Name: Dennis K. Braddy
Address: 465 Pinellas Bayway S. #308, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: Office 727-368-3165, Cell 407-463-8385
Fax: None
Code: Existing Buildings
Section #: 505.1
Text of Modification [additions underlined; deletions stricken]:
505.1 General.
Means of egress for buildings undergoing alteration shall comply with the requirements of Section
501.1 and the scoping provisions of Chapter 1 where applicable.
Exceptions:
1. Door and window dimensions. In residential dwellings and dwelling units constructed under
codes other than the Florida Building Code, a maximum of 5 percent reduction in the clear
opening dimensions of replacement doors and windows shall be allowed.
2. Window dimensions. Window replacement in dwellings and dwelling units constructed
under codes other than the Florida Building Code, shall not be required be required to
meet current egress requirements provided the window overall height and/or width is not
changed by more than 5 percent +or-, and does not reduce the emergency escape and
rescue clear opening dimensions from the existing window by more than 5%.
Fiscal Impact Statement [Provide documentation of the costs and benefits of the
proposed modifications to the code for each of the following entities. Cost data
should be accompanied by a list of assumptions and supporting documentation.
Explain expected benefits.]:
A.
Impact to local entity relative to enforcement of code: No additional cost for
local entities in regards to code enforcement. Will improve compliance with
code and permitting requirements by clarifying when the exceptions are to be
used.
B.
Impact to building and property owners relative to cost of compliance with
code: No additional cost impact for home owners. This proposal will actually
reduce the cost burden experienced by home owners by eliminating cost
prohibitive major structural alterations required to enlarge the current
openings to meet new egress requirements.
C.
Impact to industry relative to cost of compliance with code: No additional cost
impact to industry.
Official Form 9B-3.047-2004
565342824
Rationale [Provide an explanation of why you would like this Proposed
Modification to the Florida Building Code.]: This proposal is simply clarifying the
limitations of window and door sizing in regards to egress requirements and
remove the restrictive barrier homeowner’s face when trying to upgrade their
homes. Currently many homeowner’s seeking to replace their old windows to gain
the benefits of energy efficiency and Hurricane protection find that some
jurisdictions require their older home to meet the new egress requirements if they
want to change out their windows and doors. This requires major structural
changes to the home to enlarge the openings and greatly increases the cost. The
homeowner is then faced with the choice of spending two or three times more than
they were prepared to pay, or must decide to leave the old windows in and not
make the upgrades for safety or efficiency, or in far to many cases they decide to
have the work done on a weekend without a permit. This leaves them exposed to
unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors. With all three of these alternatives the
homeowner loses. This proposal seeks to allow a common sense solution
Please explain how the proposed modification meets the following requirements:
1. Has a reasonable and substantial connection with the health, safety, and
welfare of the general public: Public safety is improved due to the proper
installation of window and door products designed and manufactured to
resist the forces of Hurricanes in Florida. In most case they are on average
100 to 400 percent stronger than the products that they are replacing. The
glass is thicker and complies with the latest standards for safety to resist
breaking under design wind loads. The glass typically found in older Florida
homes is SSB (single strength), where the majority today is DSB (double
strength) or thicker. As we have learned in recent hurricanes, most people in
Florida are encouraged to weather the storm in their homes and this proposal
will make Floridian’s safer as they do so! The home owner gains the safety
benefits of stronger windows without reducing the current level of egress
provided by the existing windows or doors beyond the current code accepted
5% limit.
2.
Strengthens or improves the code, and provides equivalent or better
products, methods, or systems of construction: This change will strengthen
the code through better compliance with strength and energy code
requirements as it removes a common barrier for home owners. This change
also strengthens the code by clarifying the exceptions and placing stringent
limits on its use.
3.
Does not discriminate against materials, products, methods, or systems of
construction of demonstrated capabilities: This proposal does not
discriminate against materials, products, methods or systems of
construction.
4.
Does not degrade the effectiveness of the code: No, this proposal will
upgrade the effectiveness of the code through better compliance with the
code through proper permitting and inspection.
Official Form 9B-3.047-2004
565342824
Section for DCA Only
Committee Action:
Committee Reason:
Commission Action:
Commission Reason:
Official Form 9B-3.047-2004
565342824