Procedure
In this activity you will research the local code of ordinances and building codes to obtain important information needed to redesign the Keystone Building.
The Keystone Building is within the city of Noblesville, Indiana. The Noblesville Code of Ordinances applies to this project location.
1. Identify the Building Code that applies in Noblesville by reviewing section 154.04, Adoption of Rules by Reference, in the Noblesville Code of Ordinances.
Indiana Register or the Indiana Administrative Code
2. Visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security webpage, “Codes, Standards, and Other Rules,” at http://www.in.gov/dhs/2490.htm. On which model code is the current Indiana Building Code based?
The 2006 Model of Building Code.
3. Using the International Building Code, find the use and occupancy classification of the proposed new Keystone Building.
303.4 Assembly Group A-3
4. Using the International Building Code, describe each of the four types of construction. Based on the existing structure, under which of these types of construction could the Keystone Building fall? See section 503.1.
Types I and II construction are those types of construction in which the building elements are of noncombustible materials, except as permitted in Section 603 and elsewhere in this code. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by this code, Fire-retardant-treated wood framing. Type IV construction (Heavy Timber, HT) is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces. Type V construction is that type of construction in which the structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted by this code.
5. Compare the allowable building heights and areas (m) for the Keystone Library using different construction types. What is the least restrictive construction type that can be used for the Keystone Library? Is a fire-protective layer required over the structural elements? Note: The letter A indicates that the structural members are protected by a fire-rated coating or cover (gypsum wallboard, spray-on, or another approved method). The letter B indicates that the structural members are not protected by an additional fire-rated coating or cover.
The least restrictive construction type is Type I A, which is unlimited. Yes a fire-protective layer is required for the structural elements.
6. What materials do you propose to use for the new interior walls and floor for the Keystone Building? Justify your answer. I would suggest brick walls for the exterior walls or steel beams for the interior structure walls. It would prevent fire and fire damage. It would also act as an insulator.
7. Use the IBC to determine the occupant load (IBC 2012 section 1004) for the Keystone Building assuming a second floor is added per the Keystone Library Renovation Preliminary Building plans (see Revit file). For now, conservatively assume that the second floor is entirely stacks and that the first floor is entirely reading rooms. In addition, because there is currently no plan to include an outside stairway to the roof, assume that the occupants of the green roof must exit through the second floor. The building inspector has determined, based on the planned use of the green roof as an additional reading area, that the occupant load for the green roof may be based on the requirements for reading rooms.
8. The occupant load is used to determine the minimum degrees width for each section of the building. Use the IBC to determine the required total egress width (IBC 2012 section 1005) for the Keystone Building and for the second floor alone.
Stairways: 0.3” (7.6 mm)
Doors: 7” (178 mm)
Projections: 1 ½” (38 mm)
Other Components: 0.2” (5.1 mm)
9. Read IBC 2012 section 1021.2. What is the minimum number of exits required for the occupant load (IBC 2012 section 1021)?
The answers to the following questions should be researched in the Noblesville Code of Ordinances (http://www.amlegal.com/library/in/noblesville.shtml) and the Noblesville Zoning Map.
10. In which zoning designation does the Keystone Building property lie? (Refer to the Keystone Library Site Location Map to help locate the site on the zoning map.)
The zoning designation that applies to the Keystone Building property is the planned business designation.
11. Describe the purpose of this zoning designation. Document your answer with a section number from the code.
12. What is the minimum lot size within this designation? Does the Keystone Property meet this requirement? Document your answer with a section number of the code.
13. What is the maximum building height according to the Noblesville ordinance?
3 stories or 35 feet
14. Read section 159.120 of the Noblesville Code of Ordinances. Record any information that is important to the redevelopment of the Keystone Building.
Agriculture is permitted as long as it does not require any commercial maintenance.
15. Is the use proposed in Keystone Building Project permitted on this property? Document your answer. (Hint: Check Appendix C.)
Yes.
16. When developing a property, when is a landscape plan required according to section 159.181 of the Noblesville ordinances?
Prior to the issuance of the FINAL certificate of occupancy, a certificate of compliance shall be issued for the landscaping including residential planned development's overall and individual lots, and all non-residential uses and structures as per this subchapter. All landscaping materials are to be guaranteed for a minimum of one year after the issuance of the certificate of compliance.
17. According to section 159.181.E of the Noblesville ordinances, what types of landscaping should be included in landscaping plans?
Parking Lot Landscaping, Interior Parking Lot Landscaping, Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping, Building Base Landscaping, Landscape Buffer Yard, Screening.
Conclusion Questions
1. Why is it important to research building codes and local ordinances before beginning the design of a project?
It is important to research building codes and local ordinances before beginning the design of a project because these are your constraints for your project. Designing without knowing your constraints is risky and can cause problems with the building having issues with its structure or it not passing the local codes. This will result into a major loss of profit and extra time spent on the project.
2. Give some examples of how building codes protect people and property.
Building codes provide constraints that can prevent certain businesses from building in a certain area. They can also give requirements that all businesses have to follow in order to build in that area.
3. How do local ordinances control development?
Local ordinances can give regulations that businesses are required to abide to build in a certain area as a way to keep certain businesses out of that area.
In this activity you will research the local code of ordinances and building codes to obtain important information needed to redesign the Keystone Building.
The Keystone Building is within the city of Noblesville, Indiana. The Noblesville Code of Ordinances applies to this project location.
1. Identify the Building Code that applies in Noblesville by reviewing section 154.04, Adoption of Rules by Reference, in the Noblesville Code of Ordinances.
Indiana Register or the Indiana Administrative Code
2. Visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security webpage, “Codes, Standards, and Other Rules,” at http://www.in.gov/dhs/2490.htm. On which model code is the current Indiana Building Code based?
The 2006 Model of Building Code.
3. Using the International Building Code, find the use and occupancy classification of the proposed new Keystone Building.
303.4 Assembly Group A-3
4. Using the International Building Code, describe each of the four types of construction. Based on the existing structure, under which of these types of construction could the Keystone Building fall? See section 503.1.
Types I and II construction are those types of construction in which the building elements are of noncombustible materials, except as permitted in Section 603 and elsewhere in this code. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material permitted by this code, Fire-retardant-treated wood framing. Type IV construction (Heavy Timber, HT) is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces. Type V construction is that type of construction in which the structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted by this code.
5. Compare the allowable building heights and areas (m) for the Keystone Library using different construction types. What is the least restrictive construction type that can be used for the Keystone Library? Is a fire-protective layer required over the structural elements? Note: The letter A indicates that the structural members are protected by a fire-rated coating or cover (gypsum wallboard, spray-on, or another approved method). The letter B indicates that the structural members are not protected by an additional fire-rated coating or cover.
The least restrictive construction type is Type I A, which is unlimited. Yes a fire-protective layer is required for the structural elements.
6. What materials do you propose to use for the new interior walls and floor for the Keystone Building? Justify your answer. I would suggest brick walls for the exterior walls or steel beams for the interior structure walls. It would prevent fire and fire damage. It would also act as an insulator.
7. Use the IBC to determine the occupant load (IBC 2012 section 1004) for the Keystone Building assuming a second floor is added per the Keystone Library Renovation Preliminary Building plans (see Revit file). For now, conservatively assume that the second floor is entirely stacks and that the first floor is entirely reading rooms. In addition, because there is currently no plan to include an outside stairway to the roof, assume that the occupants of the green roof must exit through the second floor. The building inspector has determined, based on the planned use of the green roof as an additional reading area, that the occupant load for the green roof may be based on the requirements for reading rooms.
8. The occupant load is used to determine the minimum degrees width for each section of the building. Use the IBC to determine the required total egress width (IBC 2012 section 1005) for the Keystone Building and for the second floor alone.
Stairways: 0.3” (7.6 mm)
Doors: 7” (178 mm)
Projections: 1 ½” (38 mm)
Other Components: 0.2” (5.1 mm)
9. Read IBC 2012 section 1021.2. What is the minimum number of exits required for the occupant load (IBC 2012 section 1021)?
The answers to the following questions should be researched in the Noblesville Code of Ordinances (http://www.amlegal.com/library/in/noblesville.shtml) and the Noblesville Zoning Map.
10. In which zoning designation does the Keystone Building property lie? (Refer to the Keystone Library Site Location Map to help locate the site on the zoning map.)
The zoning designation that applies to the Keystone Building property is the planned business designation.
11. Describe the purpose of this zoning designation. Document your answer with a section number from the code.
12. What is the minimum lot size within this designation? Does the Keystone Property meet this requirement? Document your answer with a section number of the code.
13. What is the maximum building height according to the Noblesville ordinance?
3 stories or 35 feet
14. Read section 159.120 of the Noblesville Code of Ordinances. Record any information that is important to the redevelopment of the Keystone Building.
Agriculture is permitted as long as it does not require any commercial maintenance.
15. Is the use proposed in Keystone Building Project permitted on this property? Document your answer. (Hint: Check Appendix C.)
Yes.
16. When developing a property, when is a landscape plan required according to section 159.181 of the Noblesville ordinances?
Prior to the issuance of the FINAL certificate of occupancy, a certificate of compliance shall be issued for the landscaping including residential planned development's overall and individual lots, and all non-residential uses and structures as per this subchapter. All landscaping materials are to be guaranteed for a minimum of one year after the issuance of the certificate of compliance.
17. According to section 159.181.E of the Noblesville ordinances, what types of landscaping should be included in landscaping plans?
Parking Lot Landscaping, Interior Parking Lot Landscaping, Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping, Building Base Landscaping, Landscape Buffer Yard, Screening.
Conclusion Questions
1. Why is it important to research building codes and local ordinances before beginning the design of a project?
It is important to research building codes and local ordinances before beginning the design of a project because these are your constraints for your project. Designing without knowing your constraints is risky and can cause problems with the building having issues with its structure or it not passing the local codes. This will result into a major loss of profit and extra time spent on the project.
2. Give some examples of how building codes protect people and property.
Building codes provide constraints that can prevent certain businesses from building in a certain area. They can also give requirements that all businesses have to follow in order to build in that area.
3. How do local ordinances control development?
Local ordinances can give regulations that businesses are required to abide to build in a certain area as a way to keep certain businesses out of that area.