13-200-280 Skylights.

   Prefabricated standard acrylic or polycarbonate skylight units may be installed in existing buildings not exceeding ten percent of the total roof area. In addition, custom built skylights may be installed in existing buildings if their frames are constructed of noncombustible material and if they are glazed with laminated glass or other approved safety glazing materials.

(Prior code § 78.1-27)

13-200-290 Utilization of existing space within residential buildings.

   Utilization and finishing of basement and attic space, including dormer additions, which make productive use of the existing floor area, and which become part of an existing dwelling unit but are not used to create additional units, shall not be considered as additional stories for purposes of height limitations under the code. However, the number of living levels, exclusive of the basement, is not to exceed three levels in Type IV-A and IV-B buildings, and four levels in Type III-B and III-C buildings.

(Prior code § 78.1-28)

13-200-300 Alterations and repairs.

   In alterations or repairs to an existing building, all new construction shall comply with the applicable provisions of this Code for new construction, except as follows:

   (a)   The department of buildings may approve minor nonstructural additions, alterations, or repairs using materials conforming to those with which the original building was constructed, providing they have the required strength and fire resistance.

   (b)   Officially designated historical buildings or structures shall meet the requirements of Section 13-200-100 “Historic preservation”.

   (c)   Buildings which will undergo a change of occupancy in conjunction with the alterations or repairs shall also meet the requirements of Sections 13-200-120 through and including 13-200-200 “Change of occupancy”.

   (d)   Residential buildings which will increase the number of legally established dwelling units shall also meet the requirements of the Sections 13-200-210 through and including 13-200-240 “Increase in number of dwelling units”.

   (e)   In buildings containing not more than three dwelling units, basement recreation rooms not used for sleeping purposes may comply with the following minimum requirements when smoke alarms complying with Sections 13-196-100 through and including 13-196-160 are provided in each dwelling unit in the building and in that portion of the basement used as a recreation room:

      (1)   Exterior walls of masonry or concrete construction may be furred with wood no larger than two inches by four inches. Paneling may be applied directly to this furring provided the paneling is not more combustible than wood.

      (2)   Partitions shall have a fire rating not less than one-half hour or may consist of wood studs covered one or both sides with paneling not more combustible than wood, provided the length of the interior partitioning shall not exceed the width of the basement plus ten feet.

      (3)   The ceiling finish in any basement recreation room shall have a flame-spread rating not to exceed Class I (0 to 25).

(Prior code § 78.1-29; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-87, p. 5549; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-89, p. 4604; Amend Coun. J. 6-14-95, p. 2841; Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, § 40; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VI, § 33)

13-200-310 Building over 80 feet in height.

   Any building over 80 feet in height which is altered or repaired, the cost of which in any consecutive 30 months exceeds 50 percent of the reproduction cost of the building, shall comply with requirements of Chapter 13-76 for high-rise buildings, and Chapter 15-8 for stair, elevator and shaft enclosures.

(Prior code § 78.1-30; Amend Coun. J. 12-15-04, p. 39962, § 1)

13-200-320 Assembly occupancy alterations.

   Any stage or projection block hereafter altered or remodeled shall comply in its entirety with the provisions of this Code for new construction:

   (a)   In assembly units having fixed seating, any alteration of the seating arrangement or of any means of exit shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 13-84, and any such alterations of seating shall comply with all the means of egress requirements of this Code.

   (b)   No alteration or extension of any existing system of heating or refrigeration or any system of piping or machinery in which hazardous gases or liquids are contained, or which are prohibited in an assembly unit under this Code, shall be made, unless all parts of such system and the rooms or spaces containing them shall be made to comply with the provisions of this Code.

   (c)   Any room in an assembly unit hereafter converted for any use requiring special protecting under this Code shall be made to comply with the provisions of this Code for such special protection.

   (d)   Areas used for storage of combustible containers in new and existing buildings with exhibition areas shall be enclosed with two-hour fire-resistive construction and shall be equipped with a standard sprinkler system, as defined in Chapter 15-16 of this Code.

   (e)   Fire alarm systems and other fire protection systems shall be provided, in accordance with requirements of Chapter 15-16.

   (f)   Exit lights shall be provided, in accordance with requirements of Section 13-160-700.

   (g)   Means of egress lighting shall be provided, in accordance with the requirements of Section 13-160-660.

   (h)   Emergency electrical systems and lighting shall be provided, in accordance with the requirements of Section 14E-7-700.

(Prior code § 78.1-31; Amend Coun. J. 6-14-95, p. 2841; Amend Coun. J. 11-9-16, p. 36266, § 27; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. II, § 47)

13-200-330 Exit requirements.

   Every building shall have not less than the minimum number of exits prescribed in Section 13-160-050, with the following exceptions:

   (a)   In existing buildings where exits do not comply with the requirements of Chapter 13-160 and in which hazardous conditions exist because of the number or location of exits, the building commissioner may order additional exits to insure adequate life safety of the occupants.

   (b)   Fire escapes may be permitted where such exits now serve existing buildings and may be added to existing buildings when additional exits are necessary, if conditions do not permit the use of more adequate exit facilities.

   (c)   Other means of fire escape, such as ladders or other devices, may be permitted in unusual circumstances and shall comply with such requirements as the building commissioner shall prescribe.

   (d)   In existing multiple dwellings, one exit shall be permitted from the basement, first or second story, provided that:

      (1)   The enclosed area of such floor or basement space is separated from all other areas by partitions of one hour rating;

      (2)   The enclosed area does not exceed 800 feet;

      (3)   The exit serves only one family on each story or basement, except that an exit from the basement or first story to grade may be shared by more than one unit.

((Prior code § 78.1-32; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-89, p. 4604; Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, § 40; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, § 1)

13-200-340 Fire escapes – Repairs.

   Existing fire escapes may be repaired, altered or extended to serve floors not presently served if done in conformance with the requirements of Section 13-160-630, regardless of their proximity to interior lot lines or other buildings on the same lot, provided that zoning requirements are met.

(Prior code § 78.1-33)