Florida Building Commission

June 13, 2017

Legal Report

The shores resort and spa

2637 atlantic avenue

daytona beach shores, Florida 32118

ENERGY TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)

DS 2017-018 by Neil Fimbel of HVAC Designs Inc.

Questions:

1) The code book section R101.4.3 states that only the new construction building components and new building systems are subject to comply with the Florida Energy Conservation Code. Does the energy code section R101.4.3 apply to any existing unaltered building components and/or unaltered systems, especially reused attic mounted air handlers that remain unaltered?

Answer:

As per section R101.4.3 of the 5th Edition (2014) Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation (the Code), the project in question may comply with the Code using Form R402-2014 for those new building components that are being added without requiring the existing building or building systems including the existing attic mounted air handler to comply with the Code, providing that the said addition alone can comply with the code. For the existing air handler, indicating on the form “not applicable” is acceptable.

2) The prescriptive energy form R402-2014; page one, general instructions, note 1, “fill in all the applicable spaces of the to be installed column”. Can any portion of this R402 form be applied to existing unaltered building envelope components or existing unaltered building systems, especially reused attic mounted air handlers that remain unaltered?

See answer to question #1.

3) The prescriptive energy form R402-2014; page two, Building Component row “Air Distribution System air handling unit”, “Installed Values column” – the word “Location”. Can the air handler location “installed value” column be applied to a reused attic mounted air handler that remains unaltered?

See answer to question #1.

FIRE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)

DS 2017-019 by Robert Shumake of Shumake Architecture, PA

Question: Does FBC 1029.1 require an emergency escape and rescue opening from sleeping units located on the second and third floors of an R-2 occupancy configured with two remotely located fire rated stairs, and otherwise complying with FBC?

Answer: No, as per Section 1029.1 of the 5th Edition (2014) FBC, Building, an R-2 building that is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system and provided with a minimum of two exits per story or two exit access to the stairway is not required to provide for an emergency escape and rescue openings. Therefore, an emergency escape and rescue openings are not required for the sleeping units in question.