What does everyone see being enforced with regard to existing buildings not complying with the current NEC during renovation projects? For example, a project that will replace all lighting throughout a 40 year old building. The building has multiple existing code violations (panel clearances, conduit too close to roof deck, etc.). My thoughts are that a light renovation (lighting replacement, no occupancy change, etc.) would not require all existing violations to be fixed. A local AHJ feels otherwise, however I don't see what code he could use to back that up. The 2006 IBC is in effect, and states in chapter 34 (Existing Structures) that "the provisions of this section are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, health and general welfare in existing buildings while permitting repair, alteration, addition and change of occupancy without requiring full compliance with Chapters 2 through 33 and 3403 through 3407 except where specifically required in this section."
The IEBC (International Existing Building Code) has not been adopted, but provides two compliance methods. The first is prescriptive and essentially only requires code compliance for new work. The 2nd compliance method defines three levels of renovation and requires certain amounts of work to be accomplished for each level.
I don't see that any of these require full building compliance for a project like a lighting & facelift renovation (HVAC repairs, paint/carpet, new lighting, etc.).
I realize the AHJ has the final authority, but the IBC code is adopted and does indicate intent on this matter and the AHJ exists to enforce the letter and intent of the code. Appeal boards exist to stop them when they try to go far beyond what code requires, so they are not God despite what some of them think. Obviously, significant violations would be an exception (i.e., damaged equipment, malfunctioning breakers, etc).
1. What do you see AHJ's requiring in situations like this?
2. What is your interpretation of the code in situations like this? Is my assessment correct? Code references are appreciated.
The IEBC (International Existing Building Code) has not been adopted, but provides two compliance methods. The first is prescriptive and essentially only requires code compliance for new work. The 2nd compliance method defines three levels of renovation and requires certain amounts of work to be accomplished for each level.
I don't see that any of these require full building compliance for a project like a lighting & facelift renovation (HVAC repairs, paint/carpet, new lighting, etc.).
I realize the AHJ has the final authority, but the IBC code is adopted and does indicate intent on this matter and the AHJ exists to enforce the letter and intent of the code. Appeal boards exist to stop them when they try to go far beyond what code requires, so they are not God despite what some of them think. Obviously, significant violations would be an exception (i.e., damaged equipment, malfunctioning breakers, etc).
1. What do you see AHJ's requiring in situations like this?
2. What is your interpretation of the code in situations like this? Is my assessment correct? Code references are appreciated.
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