HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPT 3 OPEN ATTICS 11-04-85 .... ', REPORTS
DATE: Hove~r 4, 1985
TO:
HONORABLE I~AYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
COtlIUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: OPEN A'ITICS IN RESIDENTIAL AND CO~I4ERCIAL BUILDINGS
RECOI~ENDATION:
Receive and file.
BACKGROUNO:
The City Council at its meeting July 15, 1985 directed the Building Department
to analyze whether Tustin has any apartments or commercial buildings with
combined/open common attic areas that could result in the spread of fire.
DISCUSSION:
The Uniform Building Code adopted by Tustin regulates the methodology for attic
area separation in apartments and commercial buildings. Buildings constructed
prior to the 1982 UBC most likely do not have draft stop walls following tenant
spaces below the attic. Under the old codes, attic draft stop walls were
required for every 3,000 square feet of attic area but not based upon tenant
division walls. Townhomes however, have two one-hour fire walls from ground to
roof line since townhomes represent individual ownership of space versus
non-ownership in the case of rental apartments and commercial buildings.
Open attic areas contribute to the spread' of fire. In recognition of this fact,
the 1982 UBC now requires draft stopping in attics above and in-line with the
walls separating tenant spaces unless automatic sprinkler protection is provided
in the attic area.
All legally constructed buildings under previous building codes are now deemed
legal non-conforming. Fire stopping can only be required if the building owner
wishes to remodel or reconstruct in excess of 50% of the building value.
Director of Community DevelOpment
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