Modifications proposed to Florida building code.

The International Hurricane Protection Association’s (IHPA) code consultant, Joe Belcher, JDB Code Services, Inc., has submitted several proposed modifications to the 2006 Annual Interim Code Amendments to the 2004 Florida Building Code. The modifications were submitted to the Technical Advisory Committee, as the topics involved its area of responsibility.

The proposals are modifications to the residential code involving hurricane protection panels and shutters and emergency escape and garages, required inspections, permitting and testing.

The proposed modification to Section 1008.1.3.6 of the code would allow a means of escape to be located in a garage providing it has a side hinged door leading directly to the exterior. Currently, the temporary installation or closure of storm shutters, panels and other approved hurricane protection devices are permitted on emergency escape and rescue openings in Group R occupancies during the threat of a storm as long as at least one means of escape from the dwelling or dwelling unit is provided. That means of escape, under the current code, must be within the first floor of the dwelling or dwelling unit and cannot be located within a garage.

This prohibition, the proposed modification says, does not take into account the presence of side hinged doors leading directly to the exterior. While rolling overhead doors may pose a problem during a storm, side hinged doors would provide a safer passage than panels requiring unscrewing and removal from the inside and providing a minimal space for passage.

Making this change would not have a fiscal impact on code enforcement as it merely expands the allowable means of escape and should result in a reduction in cost to building and property owners as it will allow for the use of a new or existing side hinged door leading from a garage directly to the exterior.

A proposed modification to Section 109.3 adds hurricane protection devises to the list of building components that must be included during required framing inspections. Currently, window/door framing, vertical cells/columns, lintel/tie beams, framing/trusses/bracing connectors, draft stopping/fire blocking, curtain wall framing and energy insulation are included.

Hurricane protection devices are an important aspect in maintaining structural integrity during a hurricane event, the proposed modification states. In addition to increasing the structural performance of buildings, they play a role in the life safety of the people weathering out the storm in the building. These installations should be inspected to meet the standards adopted for these devices and permits for these important structural safeguards and life safety devices should be required.

On the subject of permits, a proposed modification to section 105.1 would include the installation of hurricane protection devices in permits for new construction and not require a separate permit.

This change may result in an increase in the cost of the permit, as those costs will be passed on to the consumer, the proposal admits. But the benefit of the requirement will far outweigh the cost in increased assurance that these important structural and life safety protection devices are properly designed and installed. It also protects homeowners and homebuilders from cases of substandard materials, inappropriate testing or claims of testing, and improper installation of products. The closer scrutiny of the design and installation of hurricane protection devices will result in greater protection to the public and a better value to the consumer.

The proposed modification to Section 1609.1.4; R301.2.1.2 spells out testing standards, saying hurricane protection coverings shall be tested at 1.5 times the design pressure (positive or negative) expressed in pounds per square feet as determined by the Florida Building Code, Building Section 1609 for which the specimen is to be tested.

This modification, the proposal states, strengthens the code by clearly establishing the factor of safety for design pressures to be used in the testing of hurricane protection devices. The current codes and test standards are silent on these points. The recommended language has been an industry standard and is taken from TAS 202 and used in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for a number of years with satisfactory results.