(A) General. The provisions of this section shall in addition to the construction standards set forth in this chapter, guide in the design approval and inspection process for the construction method known as pole or post-frame construction, utilized in the construction of non-habitable accessory buildings and patio or “three-season” rooms. These standards are not intended to be substituted for, or to be in conflict with, governing building code regulations of the state.
(B) Design. The following post-frame building design methods are considered meeting the intent of this section:
(1) Designs showing evidence of compliance with accepted engineering practices for all structural members of post-frame structures and the relative provisions of the RCO.
(2) Designs indicating compliance with the exemplified specifications of this section and the relative provisions of the RCO.
(C) Footings.
(1) Footings shall be designed in compliance with the RCO. Footings sizes relative to tributary load areas shown in the RCO for deck footings without roof loads, will also be considered appropriate for footers supporting post frame roof loads only.
(2) All holes for footing pads shall be inspected before placement of the concrete.
(3) Backfill material around holes, where the finish slab is above finish grade, may be compacted earth.
(4) Where subject to wind uplift forces, the base of the poles shall be anchored to a concrete or wooden collar, and shall be laterally restrained at the ground surface. The recommendations of ANSI/ASAE 486.1, the National Frame Builders Association, the National Resource Agriculture and Engineering Services, or the American Forest and Paper Association are acceptable.
(D) Skirt boards.
(1) Two inch thick (net) tongue and groove skirt boards, installed from the base of the slab to a point not less than eight inches above the slab or finish grade, whichever is higher are acceptable.
(2) Skirt boards must be designed to resist the lateral forces of unbalanced fill.
(E) Finished grades. Finished grades shall be pitched away from the exterior walls.
(F) Post frame building additions. Post frame additions for habitable spaces and garages as defined in the RCO, require an approved engineering design. Post frame additions for "three season" rooms meeting the requirements of this section will be permitted.
(G) Decay-resistant wood. All wood exposed or in contact with the ground shall be natural weather- resistant or shall be treated against decay and termites in accordance with the RCO.
(H) Concrete slabs. Concrete slabs shall not be placed in direct contact with load-bearing posts or skirting. Posts and skirts shall be separate from concrete slabs with pre-molded expansion joint filler or 15 lb. felt. Slabs shall be placed in accordance with the provisions of the RCO.
(I) Insulation. Insulation is required in structures to be heated. The thermal resistance of insulation in walls, ceilings, and concrete slabs shall be in compliance with the Residential Code of Ohio.
(J) Posts. Posts shall be designed and installed in compliance with the RCO and accepted engineering practices.
(1) Posts sized in compliance with an approved, accredited post design standards are considered acceptable.
(2) In the absence of engineered drawings, the following minimums shall be acceptable for buildings not more than 40':
(a) Minimum bearing post size for posts spaced 8' on center with roof spans 30' or less shall be 4"× 6" nominal.
(b) Minimum bearing post size for posts spaced 8' on center with roof spans over 30' and 40' or less shall be 6"× 6" nominal.
(c) All non-bearing wall posts may be 4"x 6" and must extend and be connected to the roof diaphragm.
(d) The six-inch dimension of 4"x 6" posts shall be perpendicular to the exterior wall.
(e) Poles shall be continuously connected at the top of wall sections.
(f) The maximum post spacing without an engineered design shall be 8' on center.
(g) The maximum ceiling height without an engineered design shall be 12'. Load bearing girders.
(3) Continuous girders designed to support roof loads shall be thru-bolted with two, one half inch bolts, or by other methods approved by the Building Official.
(4) Girders spans shall be consistent with the provisions of the RCO. The following SPF #2 girder sizes for posts spaced 8" are examples:
(a) 2"x 10" for buildings up to 20' wide.
(b) 2"x 12" for buildings up to 36' wide.
(K) Girts (side-wall purlins). Girts shall be spaced not more than 24 inches on center for exterior wall siding and 24 inches on center for interior wall covering but spaced not less than required by the sheathing and siding manufacturer’s instructions. All information in regard to girts is in reference to girts being secured to wood posts spaced not more than eight feet center to center. Nominal 2 x 4 wood girts shall be secured to each pole with 2-16d nails or approved alternate fastener. Fasteners shall be approved for contact with wood preservatives where applicable.
(L) Roof assemblies. Roof construction and roofing systems not addressed in the RCO must comply with the provisions of the RCO relating to alternate methods, materials and equipment.
(M) Wind bracing. All walls shall be braced with panels, diagonal bracing, or other methods listed in the RCO that are adequate to resist wind forces.
(Ord. 98-152, passed 12-9-98; Am. Ord. 07-106, passed 10-3-07)