The City of Perryville is working to update its building codes.
Building Inspector Ray Jackson has worked to identify major differences between the city’s existing building codes (circa 2015) and the 2021 codes that the city will soon be recommending for adoption.
“At the next Board of Aldermen, we will adopt the building codes,” Perryville City Administrator Brent Buerck said. “It’s helps establish the city’s ISO rating and different fire equipment, and other things. All of that is weighed into what the ISO rating is.”
The city’s ISO dropped from a four to a nine on the scale, partly because of the building codes. Buerck is hopeful that once the new codes are adopted and implemented the ISO rating should return to what it was before.
Some of the changes to the building codes are:
202 – Change of Occupancy – Either of the following shall be considered as a change of occupancy where this code requires a greater degree of safety, accessibility, structural strength, fire protection, means of egress, ventilation or sanitation than is existing in the current building or structure:
Any change in the occupancy classification of a building or structure.
Any change in the purpose of, or change in the level of activity within, a building or structure.
306.2 – Group F-1 Occupancy Classification – ESS or energy storage systems (batteries) and water/sewer treatment facilities are no longer classified as Low Hazard F-2 but are reclassified as Moderate Hazard F-1 occupancies.
Table 509.1 - Storage Battery Systems classified as Incidental uses and require fire separations from other incidental uses.
1102 – Accessible Design Compliance – The ICC A117.1 standard that is referenced by the IBC and adopted by Perryville is the 2009 edition. This has been updated to now reference the ICC A117.1 2017 edition.
1208.4 – Efficiency Dwelling Units – Now defined and minimum square footage has been reduced from 220 sq. ft. to 190 sq. ft.
1704.6 Structural Observations – A structural observer must now visually observe the construction of structural systems for general design conformance for all buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV.
1705.13.7 Special Inspection of Storage Racks: Steel storage racks and cantilevered storage racks that are 8 feet in height or greater and assigned to Seismic Design Category D,E or F shall now be provided with periodic special inspections as required by Table 1705.13.7.
1809.5.1 – Frost Protection at Required Exits. Frost protection shall be required at exterior landings for all required exits with outward-swinging doors. Frost protection shall only be required to the extent necessary to ensure the unobstructed opening of the required exit doors.
2209.3 - Certification – Steel Storage Racks. For steel storage racks that are 8 feet in height or greater to the top level and assigned to Seismic Design Category D,E or F at completion of the storage rack installation, a certificate of compliance shall be submitted to the owner or owner’s authorized agent stating that the work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents.
3115 – Intermodal Shipping Containers. 3115.1 General. The provisions of Section 3115 and other applicable sections of this code shall apply to intermodal shipping containers that are repurposed for use as buildings or structures, or as part of buildings or structures.
1809.5.1 – Frost Protection at Required Exits. Frost protection shall be required at exterior landings for all required exits with outward-swinging doors. Frost protection shall only be required to the extent necessary to ensure the unobstructed opening of the required exit doors.
2209.3 - Certification – Steel Storage Racks. For steel storage racks that are 8 feet in height or greater to the top level and assigned to Seismic Design Category D,E or F at completion of the storage rack installation, a certificate of compliance shall be submitted to the owner or owner’s authorized agent stating that the work was performed in accordance with approved construction documents.
3115 – Intermodal Shipping Containers. 3115.1 General. The provisions of Section 3115 and other applicable sections of this code shall apply to intermodal shipping containers that are repurposed for use as buildings or structures, or as part of buildings or structures.
The work area is required to be provided with automatic sprinkler protection in accordance with the International Building Code as applicable to new construction; and
The building site has sufficient water supply for design and installation of an automatic sprinkler system.
Exception: If the building site does not have sufficient municipal water supply for design of an automatic sprinkler system, work areas shall be protected by an automatic smoke detection system throughout all occupiable spaces other than sleeping units or individual dwelling units that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Sections 907.4, 907.5 and 907.6 of the International Building Code.
