Florida Building Commission

Plenary Session

December 4th, 2012

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center

Gainesville, Florida

Legal Report

1. DS 2012-76 By W. W. Schaefer Engineering & Consulting, P.A.

Question 1. Is this large missile impact rated window (see case 1), with IG impact glass consisting of non-safety rated glass as the exterior pane, acceptable for installation into the 10^th floor of the building mentioned above or must casement windows exterior single pane glass be tempered/safety glazed?

Answer: For a window as stated in Case 1, the casement window in question must meet the requirements of both section 2410.2(2) and section 2411.1.11 Florida Building Code, Building. This means that the window in question must be of sufficient strength to resist the small missile impact applications as outlined in Chapter 16 (HVHZ) and must have an Exterior lite that is safety glazed.

Question 2: Is this large missile impact rated window (see Case 2) , with IG impact glass consisting of non-safety rated glass as the exterior pane, acceptable for installation next to the door as described above or must the windows exterior single pane of glass be tempered/safety glazed?

Answer: For a window as stated in Case 2, the exterior fixed window in question must meet the requirements of both section 2411.4.3 and section 2411.1.11 of the Florida Building Code, Building. This means that in addition to meeting the requirements of Section 2411.1.11, the window in question must also comply with the safety glazing requirements of Section 2411.4.3 as applicable.

Question 3: Is this large missile impact rated door (see case 3), with IG impact glass consisting of non-safety rated glass as the exterior pane, acceptable for installation into the building described above or must the doors exterior single pane of glass be tempered/safety glazed?

Answer: For a door as stated in Case 3, the door in question must meet the requirements of both section 2411.4.3 and section 2411.1.11 of the Florida Building Code, Building. This means that in addition to meeting the requirements of Section 2411.1.11, the door in question must also comply with the safety glazing requirements of Section 2411.4.3 as applicable.

2. DS 2012-81 by Advanced Manufacturing & Power Systems, Inc.

The Committee voted unanimously to defer this declaratory statement to the next Structural TAC meeting. It was determined that further clarification of the questions is needed. The Petitioner agreed with the deferral and expressed that he is willing to work with the staff to further revise the declaratory statement request.

3. DS 2012-084 by Jose Diaz of MSA Architects, Inc. (Recommend for dismissal)

“Legal counsel is recommending dismissal of the declaratory statement for lack of jurisdiction.  However, the Order Denying Declaratory statement should contain a quote of and citation to Section 233.1 2010 Florida Accessibility Code.”

4. DS 2012-85 by Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association.

Question 1: Does the term “protection of openings” mean the same as the term “opening protection”, as found in the text of the referenced section, and specific to “protection from windborne debris”?

Answer: Yes, the term “protection of openings” is analogous to the term “opening protection” as referenced in Section R301.2.1.2 of the 2010 Florida Building Code, Residential and specific to “protection from windborne debris.”

Question 2: Is the non-glazed door required to comply with Section R301.2.1.2?

Answer: No, Section R301.2.1.2 is specific to glazed products.

Question 3: If the non-glazed door is not required to comply with Section R301.2.1.2, but it complies with the wind load requirements of the code, would the door also comply with the code as “opening protection”?

Answer: A non-glazed door is not required to be protected in accordance with Section R301.2.1.2 in a non-HVHZ zone

Question 4: Would the state-approved, glazed garage door rated for non-HVHZ impact resistance be acceptable for the job (which is outside the HVHZ) without an NOA?

Answer: Yes, if used as per the limits of use of the Product Approval.