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Code Compliance Flashcards

1
Q

What are early phase code concerns in a project?

A

Egress paths, stair separation, building size, and occupancy count.

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2
Q

What does occupancy determine in code compliance?

A

The number of toilets, sinks, and required exits.

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3
Q

What code-related elements are formalized during CD sets?

A

Stair riser height, handrail placement, and specific code compliance documentation.

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4
Q

What must be shown in drawings for code officials to confirm fire safety compliance?

A

Fire-rated wall types, egress paths, and stair enclosure ratings.

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5
Q

Why do stairwells require enclosure?

A

To prevent fire spread during evacuation, based on past disasters.

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6
Q

Whats the role of Underwriters Laboratory (UL)?

A

To provide tested standards for materials and assemblies for fire safety.

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7
Q

What is the difference between a code and a standard?

A

Codes are enforceable regulations; standards (like UL or ASHRAE) are trusted guidelines to achieve compliance.

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8
Q

What kind of documentation shows ADA compliance?

A

Specific dimensions, reach ranges, and accessibility diagrams.

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9
Q

What must HVAC systems show in CD sets?

A

They must demonstrate ability to heat/cool adequately per regional standards like ASHRAE.

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10
Q

Whats the significance of egress paths?

A

To show maximum travel distance to exits; must be reasonable based on building material and sprinkler status.

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11
Q

How does UL help communicate fire ratings in construction?

A

UL listings standardize and communicate fire resistance of assemblies using specific numbers.

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12
Q

Why are wall and floor assemblies critical in code documentation?

A

They demonstrate fire ratings and help define safe zones and containment during emergencies.

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13
Q

What is a safe zone in a building?

A

An area like a rated stairwell or corridor where occupants can safely shelter during emergencies.

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14
Q

What determines allowable egress path distances?

A

Construction material, presence of sprinklers, and building occupancy type.

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15
Q

Why does building material affect egress path length?

A

More fire-resistant materials (e.g., concrete) allow longer paths; less resistant ones (e.g., wood) require shorter paths.

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16
Q

How should rated walls be documented on floor plans?

A

By labeling wall types (e.g., wall type 1) and referencing UL ratings on drawings and legends.

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17
Q

What is the role of OSHA in building design?

A

To ensure future workplace safety for maintenance personnel, especially around equipment and rooftops.

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18
Q

What are ASHRAE and ANSI used for?

A

ASHRAE provides HVAC standards; ANSI provides accessibility and technical standards.

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19
Q

How should ADA compliance be communicated on drawings?

A

With dimensions and callouts that align with ANSI accessibility standards.

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20
Q

What distinguishes ADA from building code?

A

ADA is a federal law, not a code, and violations may involve the Department of Justice.

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21
Q

What is a four-hour wall used for?

A

To separate a large building into two code-compliant buildings, each meeting area and egress rules.

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22
Q

Why are stairs and handrails heavily detailed in drawings?

A

To prevent trip hazards and ensure expected dimensions for safe movement.

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23
Q

What should stair documentation include?

A

Riser heights, tread depths, handrail heights, and clearances shown in both plan and section views.

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24
Q

Why are single risers on landings discouraged?

A

They are hard to see and can cause trips; better to use two risers or avoid them entirely.

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25
What elements affect maximum allowable building size?
Occupancy type, construction system, fire protection features (e.g., sprinklers), and separation walls.
26
What is a code official’s main concern in review?
Whether people can safely evacuate before a building becomes unsafe in an emergency.
27
How can smoke clearance requirements be documented?
By showing airflow rates and equipment capacity on mechanical plans.
28
What does the IBC do with regional hazard codes?
IBC references them; local jurisdictions integrate specifics for earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.
29
How do zoning codes differ from building codes?
Zoning focuses on community welfare and land use; building codes focus on safety and construction.
30
When must project separation walls be clearly shown?
When used to divide a large building into multiple code-compliant areas with their own limits.
31
What is the focus during the early design phase of a project regarding code?
Identifying major code issues such as occupancy counts, egress paths, and overall building scale.
32
What is the goal during Design Development in terms of code?
Formalize travel distances, exit widths, fixture counts, and ensure design fits within code requirements.
33
How does Construction Documentation handle code compliance?
Details dimensions, wall types, egress paths, and other specifics to demonstrate code compliance.
34
What kind of code-related elements typically appear explicitly in CD sets?
Fire-rated walls, exit distances, ADA dimensions, HVAC performance, and wall assembly ratings.
35
How do codes and standards differ?
Codes are legal requirements; standards (like UL, ANSI, ASHRAE) are technical guidelines used to meet code.
36
What does UL (Underwriters Laboratories) provide?
Tested and documented standards for assemblies like wall types used for fire rating compliance.
37
What is OSHA's relevance in architectural drawings?
Ensures workplace safety especially for maintenance access, though not directly followed by architects.
38
How is ASHRAE used in design?
Sets standards for HVAC design, ventilation, and thermal comfort performance.
39
What is ANSI's role in accessibility?
Provides standardized layouts and dimensions for accessible elements, referenced in ADA-related codes.
40
Why is ADA treated differently than a typical code?
It is a federal law, with violations potentially handled by the Department of Justice.
41
What do hourly fire ratings (e.g. 1hr, 2hr) indicate?
Relative resistance time under standard fire tests for wall/floor assemblies.
42
What factors affect required egress path length?
Construction type, occupancy type, use of sprinklers, and fire resistance.
43
What must an egress path include?
Path from occupied space through corridor to stair and out of building at least 30 feet away.
44
What is a common way to document egress compliance?
Show distances and fire ratings on key plans or floor plans with poche or wall tags.
45
Why must construction type match occupancy?
To ensure fire safety and code compliance through proper scale, material use, and egress.
46
How can a building be made code-compliant if it exceeds allowable area?
Divide it into multiple buildings using rated separation walls.
47
What are key stair dimensions to show for code compliance?
Riser height, tread depth, railing and guardrail height, shown in plans and details.
48
Why are single steps in landings discouraged?
They pose a tripping hazard; code prefers clearly visible multiple steps.
49
What is the main goal of CD sets regarding code compliance?
Communicate to GCs and code officials how the building meets all code requirements.
50
Q
A
51
Why is ADA information critical in CD sets?
Because it's a key compliance and litigation issue; clarity is required for GCs and code officials.
52
What minimum clear width must a hallway have to be accessible?
36 inches, with 32 inches allowed for short distances.
53
What must be clearly dimensioned on accessible routes in CD sets?
Narrow hallways or constrictions—must show they meet the minimum width requirements.
54
What clearance is typically required next to a 36-inch door for accessibility?
18 inches on the latch side for maneuvering space.
55
What are reach range limits for accessibility?
Typically 15 inches minimum and 48 inches maximum above the floor.
56
Where are reach ranges especially important to show?
In accessible public restrooms and kitchens for elements like dispensers and outlets.
57
Why must elements like outlets be mounted at 15 inches instead of 12?
To comply with ADA reach range requirements for adaptability.
58
What types of disabilities besides mobility must be considered in CD sets?
Visual, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments.
59
Give an example of a visual impairment accommodation in design.
Braille signage placed at accessible height.
60
Give an example of a hearing impairment accommodation in design.
Strobe light alarms for emergency notification.
61
Why is maintainability a key concern for ADA elements like lifts?
They must function when needed; design should protect from weather and ensure accessibility.
62
Why is signage important for accessibility compliance?
To indicate accessible features and prevent misuse by others.
63
What does 'light and vent' refer to in residential code?
Natural light and fresh air requirements for habitable rooms.
64
What are typical light and vent ratios today?
8% of floor area for light, 4% for operable ventilation.
65
Why were light and vent requirements introduced?
To combat unhealthy tenement conditions and prevent disease spread.
66
Where are light and vent values typically shown in drawings?
In a schedule or table listing room area, required and provided light and vent areas.
67
How is thermal comfort proven in CD sets?
By referencing ASHRAE standards and showing heating/cooling calculations.
68
What is a key plumbing safety issue in code?
Preventing backflow into municipal water supply using air gaps/check valves.
69
What plumbing aspect must be shown clearly in drawings?
Fixture counts per occupancy and layout.
70
What are common electrical safety concerns in code?
Correct system sizing, grounded circuits, outlet spacing to prevent trip hazards.
71
What is the standard outlet spacing in residential settings?
At least one outlet every 12 feet on each wall.
72
How are fire protection systems handled in CD sets?
Sprinkler head locations, extinguisher distances, and alarm systems shown but not labeled as 'compliant'—design must meet code.
73
What zoning information must appear on CD sets?
Site dimensions, setbacks, FAR, use type, and district classification.
74
Why do zoning officials review drawings?
To protect community character, values, and ensure proper land use.
75
What are covenants and why are they not part of code review?
Private development agreements—legally binding but not reviewed by zoning officials.
76
What is an easement?
A legal right for a party to use part of a property—must be respected but not reviewed by zoning.
77
What must be clearly dimensioned for zoning compliance?
Building placement, open space, alley and street relationships.
78
What role does a permit play in code compliance?
It's an initial approval but does not guarantee full compliance—inspectors can still require changes.
79
Can a building with a permit still be non-compliant?
Yes; inspectors or differing interpretations can require changes during or after construction.
80
Who holds ultimate responsibility for code compliance?
The architect.
81
Why might different officials interpret code differently?
Due to personal experience, priorities, or past incidents (e.g., previous collapses).

PDD - Nicks (28 decks)

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