City of Aspen Building Department Policies The Chief Building Official is authorized to establish and adopt policies for the administration of codes adopted by the City of Aspen. This authority is specifically addressed in sections R104.1 of the International Residential Code and 104.1 of the International Building Code.
Community Development Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: September 6, 2016, 2014 Hard Hat Events Prior to Certificate of Occupancy The Chief Building Official is authorized to establish policies for administration of codes adopted by the City of Aspen. 2015 IBC section 111.1 requires that no building or structure be used or occupied until the building official has issued certificate of occupancy. The purpose of this policy is to clearly describe the limitations of events allowed before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued and the responsibility of the contractor of record and the building owner during such events. A hardhat event is one that is not open to the general public, meaning it is strictly an invitation only gathering for the purpose of introducing the invited guests to the nearly completed structure. Examples of this type of event include a topping off party, a thank you acknowledgment for those instrumental in realizing the project or an introduction of the building s purpose and function to key community members. It is the responsibility building owner and contractor of record to ensure the safety of those attending the event and to limit the invited guests to a reasonable number according to available staff providing oversight and assistance to those attending the event.
Building Code Fees TO: Stephen Kanipe Chris Bendon Johannah Richards DATE: July 9, 2014 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official Chris Bendon, Community Development Director DATE: August 27, 2013 Applicability of the Energy Code Fee The energy code fee was approved by Council in 1995 to compensate for the additional plan review and field inspection work associated with administrating the energy code. This work is specific to the IECC and in addition to building plan review and inspection for life-safety and all other provisions typical of review and field inspection responsibilities. Building plan review and permit fees are collected separately. When the proposed work does not require energy code review as described in IECC section C101.4 or R101.4, (Applicability) the energy code fee shall be waived. Examples of such plan reviews are those that do not require ResCheck or ComCheck documentation.
Stephen Kanipe, City of Aspen Chief Building Official DATE: March 1, 2010 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe DATE: Revised September 6, 2016 Occupancy IRC and IBC Building Footage Calculation regarding Certificates of Community Development uses several methodologies to determine the area of buildings for specific purposes as required by the adopted codes. Neither the IRC nor IBC require the square footage of the building be entered or included in the required information on a Certificate of Occupancy. Therefore it is the practice of the City of Aspen to not include any building area square footage on the Certificate of Occupancy. BUILDING SQUARE FOOTAGE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by the exterior walls of the building. This is the number used to determine specific building code provisions. FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area closed and bounded by firewalls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal projections. This is the number used to determine specific fire sprinkler and fire alarm building code revisions. FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR). Calculated as required by the Land Use Code. Page: 10
Community Development Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: September 14, 2012 REVISED: July 29, 2014 Building Permit Valuation Detail The Chief Building Official is authorized to adjust permit valuation when the applicant provides detailed estimates of work to substantiate value below the published valuation policy. This authority is granted by International Building Code 2009 ed. section 109.3 and the International Residential Code 2009 ed. section R108.3. For the purpose of this policy the permit valuation shall include the total value of the work for which a permit is being issued. This includes materials and labor for the structure and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and gas, fire sprinkler and elevator systems and equipment. Permanent systems such as audio visual, lighting and HVAC controls are included in the total as are expenses directly related to construction such as equipment rental and contractor fees. Finish materials such as paint, floor coverings, tile, cabinets and counter tops are included in the permit valuation total. Costs such as architectural and engineering design fees, landscaping and planting, tap fees, development mitigation fees, trash removal and cleaning are not included.
Community Development Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: December 4, 2014 REMP/CREMP sections 104 pre-existing exemption clarification Pre-existing snowmelt, pools or spas qualify for exterior energy credit. This credit is applied towards an installation of exterior energy on the same parcel and must be inspected before demolition. The replacement credit shall be based on the existing square foot area of snowmelt, pools or spa. The replacement shall be like for like; area of snowmelt for snowmelt, area of pool for pool and area of spa for spa.
DATE: Mike Metheny Building Inspection Manager June 25, 2014 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe Chief Building Official DATE: June 25, 2014 Radon Mitigation System Termination Radon mitigation system installation in new and existing construction requires a mechanical permit application, inspection and approval. Radon mitigation systems installed in new construction or retrofitted to an existing structure shall terminate at least 18 above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet away from any window or other opening into the building that is less than two feet below the exhaust point. This termination shall be at least 10 feet from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings.
Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. DATE: May 14, 2014 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. Re-roof and Roofing Policy A roofing permit is required for all re roofing projects in Aspen. 2015 IRC section R906 and 2015 IBC section 1508 contain the applicable provisions for re roofing. Roof work involving changes to height, slope, footprint, structural framing, or insulation requires a building permit. Applicable provisions for these projects are in 2015 IRC Chapter 9 and 2015 IBC Chapter 15. The ASPEN ROOFING APPLICATION CHECKLIST must be completed and all documentation provided at permit application. The re-roof and roofing permit fee is $25.00 and the plan review fee is $25.00 per 100 square feet of roofing. Mid-roof and final inspection is required for all roofing permits and for building permits when a new roof is installed. The Chief Building Official is authorized to establish policies for administration of codes adopted by the City of Aspen. 2015 IRC R104.1 and 2015 IBC section 104.1 grant this authority. Page: 22
DATE: Lawrence A. Doble, PE, CBO Senior Plans Examiner July 21, 1997 Revised September 6, 2016 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. Chief Building Official DATE: September 6, 2016 Siding The application or re-application of siding material requires a building permit. Exterior work requires zoning and/or historic review. Exterior wall fire rated construction must be maintained and new siding material must be specified as required for new construction. If the structure is in a wildfire hazard area the new siding material must be specified as required for new construction. Waterproofing, flashing, drainage plane details are required at submittal. A Construction Management Plan is required if the project involves more than 400 square feet of affected building area. Inspections are required before covering up flashing, waterproofing and drainage plane construction details. A final building inspection is required at project completion.
Community Development Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: January 6, 2014 Snow melt exemption clarification The Chief Building Official is authorized to grant exemptions for the CREMP and RREMP payment option as amended in 2015 IECC Appendix A and B section 201. The intention of this policy is to more clearly identify areas critical to pedestrian ingress, egress and life safety. Areas critical to life safety are emergency escape and rescue window wells. These installations qualify for exemption as snow buildup may compromise window operation and access to the egress ladder. Areas critical to pedestrian ingress and egress that are susceptible to ice or snow retention, as determined by the CBO, may be exempt from CREMP. These areas shall be limited to accessible routes as defined by IBC section 1104.1 and 1104.2.
Community Development Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: July 7, 2014 Package portable spa exemption clarification The Chief Building Official is authorized to establish policies for administration of codes adopted by the City of Aspen. The CREMP and RREMP payment option referenced in 2015 IECC Appendix A and B section 201.3 allows exemption for certain portable spas. The intention of this policy is to clearly identify residential and commercial package portable or self-contained spas that qualify for the exemption. A CEC (California Energy Commission) spa is exempt. The energy requirements for spa assemblies other than CEC self-contained portable package units not more than 64 square feet of surface area are adopted by reference from the 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code section 303 titled ENERGY. The section states The energy requirements for residential portable electric spas shall be in accordance with APSP 14. APSP 14 is the American National Standard for Portable Electric Spa Energy Efficiency. For the purpose of this policy a residential spa is intended for use as an accessory to a residential occupancy such as a home, hotel or multifamily building. Self-contained means all control, water heating and water-circulating equipment, insulation and covers are included with the spa unit.
DATE: Stephen Kanipe December 27, 2007 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. Chief Building Official DATE: July 14, 2014 Tents and Temporary Structures Structures erected for a period of 180 days or less are considered temporary. Temporary structures other than tents that are 120 square feet or more and accessory to an IBC building, require a permit from the building department in accordance with section 105 of International Building Code. Structures erected for a period of 180 days or less are considered temporary. Temporary structures other than tents that are 200 square feet or more and accessory to an IRC building, require a permit from the building department in accordance with section R105 of International Residential Code. All tents greater than 400 square feet are required to have an Operational Permit issued by the Fire Marshal and are regulated by the International Fire Code. Permit applications for tents shall comply with the International Fire Code Chapter 31 regarding aisle width, egress and exit illumination. Electrical wiring in a tent or a temporary structure and portable generators servicing a tent or a temporary structure that is open to the public requires an electrical permit from the building department.
Community Development Nick Thompson, Plans Examiner DATE: December 23, 2014 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: Window Wells Serving Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings The Chief Building Official is authorized to establish policies for the administration of codes adopted by the City of Aspen. This policy pertains to dwelling units covered by the 2015 IRC and 2015 IBC. Emergency escape and rescue openings on the first story above grade plane shall not be located directly above window wells (of any type). Emergency escape and rescue openings on the second or higher story above grade plane may be located directly over window wells. Sections 2015 IRC R310.4 and 2015 IBC 1030.4 permit bars, grilles, covers, and screens to be placed over window wells serving emergency escape and rescue openings. It is the policy of this jurisdiction that such covers must comply with the following requirements in addition to the requirements of the adopted codes: 1. Shall be releasable or removable using no more than fifteen pounds of force. 2. Be sufficiently open to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases 3. Not be located in a walkway, patio, deck, or similar walking surface subject to being covered by furniture or the like unless protected by a guardrail. 4. Not be located beneath a drip line subject to the buildup of ice.
DATE: Jim Austin November 17, 2004 Revised February 5, 2015 - Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Accessible Entrance It is the policy of this jurisdiction to require the primary entrance to new construction or alterations to existing construction to be the accessible entrance as required in section 1105 of the 2015 edition of the IBC. The entry shall be accessed directly from a sidewalk, as defined by the City Municipal Code Section 21.04.0101(g) Sidewalks. Alternate methods of entry in qualified Historic Buildings, as defined in section 202 of the 2015 IEBC will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Chief Building Officials in conjunction with the Historic Preservation Officer. Page: 1
DATE: Tom Parry January 13, 1997 Revised February, 5 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Accessory Buildings A building, or useable portion thereof, accessory to a group R Occupancy, including such uses as a studio, hobby room, workshop, or home office, shall have the same requirements for egress, exiting, light, ventilation, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as would be required in an R-3 occupancy.
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DATE: Stephen Kanipe January 13, 1997 Revised January 23, 2001 Revised May 2, 2001 Revised February 5, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official Alternative to Roof Ventilation Roof assemblies that do not meet the roof ventilation requirements of currently adopted codes shall be designed to avoid the likelihood of fungal growth or the accumulation of moisture on the linings and other building elements. The applicant shall submit calculations and/or supporting proof that the building systems will perform to avoid the accumulation of fungal growth and moisture in the roof assembly. The proposed roof assembly will be reviewed and approved by the building official and demonstrate compliance as an alternate method of roof ventilation as allowed by Section 104.11 of the 2015 IBC.
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DATE: Denis Murray November 29, 2006 Revised February, 5 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: February 12, 2007 Below Grade Mechanical Rooms in Residential Occupancies Below Grade Mechanical rooms shall be readily accessible as required by the IMC or IRC. The access doorway shall be sized large enough to remove the largest appliance in the space. If an electrical panel is located within the mechanical room, the minimum ceiling height shall be 6 feet 6 inches. Mechanical rooms that meet all of the above criteria do not require separate emergency escape and rescue openings as required by the 2015 IRC section R310. Page: 4
DATE: Russell A. Grance, Deputy Chief Building Official June 13, 2001 Revised February 5, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 B.E.S.T. Card Holders and Inspections For inspections in general, our inspectors require a B.E.S.T. cardholder, licensed contractor, or homeowner/ builder to be on-site and available to confer with the inspector during the duration of the inspection(s).
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DATE: APPROVED: DATE: Russell A. Grance, C.B.O. January 19, 2000 Revised February 5, 2015 Mike Metheny Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official April 12, 2003 Change Order Criteria Change orders will not be accepted prior to issuance of the #1 permit. When changes to approved plans are submitted that reflect relocation of interior walls, change of room use, addition of plumbing facilities, change in window size or location, and similar minor modifications but no increase to existing square footage, then a change order application can be processed. Change orders will only be processed on active building permits. Any change submitted after final inspection will require a new and separate permit. When changes to approved plans are submitted that reflect an increase in the square footage, increase in height, expansion of the existing footprint, then a new and separate permit will be required. When changes to approved plans are submitted that reflect a decrease in total square footage and have substantial changes in design i.e. exterior wall location, building height, elevation changes and similar major changes, then a new and separate permit will be required. When changes to approved plans are submitted that reflect a decrease in total square footage and minor or no change to the remaining square footage, a change order application can be processed. Page: 6
Stephen Kanipe, City of Aspen Chief Building Official DATE: June 19, 2002 Revised - February 5, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe DATE: February 18, 2004 Expired Plan Review Extension Request Fee It is the policy of this jurisdiction that an application for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned six (6)months after date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued. The building official is authorized to grant an extension not exceeding six (6) months. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. Processing an extension request for an expired plan review will require a $100 administrative fee payment to compensate for staff time that includes; researching the data base to determine if the extension can be granted; reviewing the address file for correspondence relating to conditions of permit issuance; generating the extension letter; updating the data base; and, mailing the letter to the applicant. Page : 9
Stephen Kanipe, City of Aspen Chief Building Official DATE: August 26, 2004 Revised January 10, 2011- Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe DATE: August 26, 2004 Fee Refund Policy The 2015 IRC section R108.5, 2015 IBC section 109.6, 2015 IPC section 106.6.3 and 2015 IMC section 106.5.3 authorize the Building Official to establish a refund policy. The policy is as follows: Upon written request of the applicant, refunds may be approved for up to 80% of the fee paid for an IRC, IBC, IPC, IMC or NEC permit. No refund will be approved when requested more than 180 days after the Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion is issued for the permit. In the event of a refund request for the Commercial Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (CREMP) or Residential Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (RREMP) payment option, the Building Code official is authorized by sections C107.5 and R107.5 of the 2015 IECC to establish a refund policy. It shall be the policy of this jurisdiction to refund 100% of the monies less $750.
DATE: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official Ed Van Walraven, Fire Marshal, Aspen Fire Protection District November 12, 1993 Revised December 17, 1998 Revised February6, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: February 6, 2004 Fire Sprinkler Installations in Alterations and Additions Regarding the installation of sprinkler systems in alterations and additions, the following guidelines shall apply: The alteration or the addition shall have the appropriate and approved sprinkler system installed when any of the following apply: 1- the addition(s) to the structure plus the existing area totals 5,000 square feet or more; 2- the structure has four or more residential units; 3- the structure is three or more stories high; 4- the alteration occurs in an existing structure greater than 5000 square feet. The Fire Marshal and Building Official review individually all alterations in structures 5000 square feet or more. Page: 11
DATE: Mike Metheny & Nick Thompson February 9, 2015 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: February 9, 2015 Hot Tubs/Spa Safety Rails All hot tubs, spas, and similar units which are located in proximity to an area where users are exposed to a fall potential of 30 or more, as measured from the walking surface adjacent to the unit, shall be protected by a guardrail that meets the requirements of the currently adopted codes. Guard rails shall be 18 above the top of the spa when adjacent these areas. If the edge of the spa is greater than 18 in depth, then the guard must be built as a full height guard complying with the applicable code.
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DATE: Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. Chief Building Official December 13, 1996 Revised February 9, 2015- Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Legitimizing Bandit Units The applicant will need to apply for a Building Permit for the structure just as if it were a new building. Field inspectors will then determine the extent of work, if any, necessary to meet life safety requirements. The plans examiner will then review the plans and issue the permit in accordance with sections 105 of the IBC or section R105 of the IRC. The applicant will then follow normal work and inspection procedures as required by section 110 of the IBC or section R109 of the IRC.
DATE: Mike Metheny - Building Inspection Manager June 25, 2014 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe Chief Building Official DATE: February 5, 2015 Mechanical System Noise Pollution It is the policy of this jurisdiction that mechanical equipment installed in the City of Aspen shall not create noise in excess of 55 decibels between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM as measured at the property boundaries. Between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM the decibel level shall not exceed 60 decibels as measured at the property boundaries.
Mike Metheny, Field Inspection Manager DATE: December 2, 2009 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: January 1, 2010 Accessible Routes in Type B Units It is the policy of this jurisdiction that when an accessible route to an exterior roof deck or similar space in a Type B Unit as required by the International Building Code, the installation of an accessible route to that level may be waived upon a written request to the Chief Building Official from the applicant. The plans and construction shall contain provisions in the framing and electrical systems to accommodate the installation of the required route if so desired in the future.
Community Development Mike Metheny, Field Inspection Manager DATE: October 22, 2010 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: October 22, 2010 Complete Permit Document Submittal It is the policy of this department that, with regard to the submission of construction documents and project related materials for use by the referral agencies, only complete submissions will be accepted. A complete submission is defined as one that is comprised of all of the items appropriate for application to the project. The Chief Building Official shall be authorized issue emergency repair permits at his or her discretion in accordance with the provisions of the adopted edition of the International Building Code section 105.2.1 and the adopted version of the International Residential Code section R105.2.1 without a complete submission.
DATE: Stephen Kanipe Chief Building Official December 13, 1996 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, C.B.O. Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Minor Drywall Repair A contractor s license is not required for Minor Drywall Repair (32 sq. ft. maximum). More than 32 square feet or any work on fire resistive construction will require an appropriate license.
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DATE: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official January 13, 1997 Revised February 10, 2015- Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Minor Repair Permits Permit applications for Minor Repairs as described by sections 105.2.2 of the IBC and section R105.2.2 of the IRC (less than $2,000 in total valuation), when not impacted by other regulations, will be processed within the Building Division. A verbal description or sketch of the work shall be submitted.
DATE: Denis Murray March 26, 2003 Revised February 11, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Multiple Permits It is the policy of this Jurisdiction to treat each unit of duplexes and townhouses as separate structures and to issue one Building Permit per building or structure. The permit should reflect the accurate number of dwelling units with the correct federal census code number. Filing will be done according to addresses in individual files. Mechanical and plumbing permits shall be issued for each individual mechanical and plumbing system. In the event that a portion of the building will be occupied prior to the completion of the entire building or structure; a temporary certificate of occupancy consistent with the requirements of the currently adopted codes, will be issued.
Gary Lyman Chief Building Official DATE: March 25, 1992 Revised February 11, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Occupancy Load Calculations In cases where the Building Department is asked to perform Occupancy Load Calculations for structures that do not have a current Building Permit or Application, the building owner will first be asked to provide Occupancy Loads from their own files or public records. In cases where those searches do not produce an existing Occupant Load, the Building Department will, upon receipt of a dimensioned floor plan from the owner, calculate the Occupancy Load free of charge.
DATE: Stephen Kanipe April 8, 2004 Revised February 11, 2015- Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: April 8, 2004 Outstanding Permits on Structures It is the policy of this jurisdiction that, before applying for permit to repair, alter or enlarge a building or structure, all other projects for that address, must have an accepted final inspection, Letter of a Completion or Certificate of Occupancy. The Chief Building Official has the authority to waive this requirement.
Community Development Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: September 14, 2012 Building Permit Valuation The Chief Building Official is authorized to adjust permit valuation when the applicant provides detailed estimates of work to substantiate value below the published valuation policy. This authority is granted by International Building Code section 109.3 and International Residential Code section R108.3. For the purpose of this policy the permit valuation shall include the total value of the work for which a permit is being issued. This includes materials and labor for the structure and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and gas, fire sprinkler and elevator systems and equipment. Permanent systems such as audio visual, lighting and HVAC controls are included in the total as are expenses directly related to construction such as equipment rental and contractor fees. Costs such as architectural and engineering design fees, landscaping and planting, tap fees, development mitigation fees, trash removal and cleaning are not included.
Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: December 8, 1998 Revised February 11, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: April 12, 2003 Plan Size and Scale Effective January 4, 1999, the largest acceptable plan sheet size shall be 24 x 36. One-quarter inch (¼ ) scale is preferable and for large projects use of match lines with reference keys on each sheet is fine. Three-sixteenth inch (3/16 ) scale is the minimum acceptable scale for drawings.
Community Development Stephen Kanipe DATE: March 10, 2015 Repair Permit Applications Repairs are addressed in 2015 IRC section R102.7.1, 2015 IBC section 105.2.2 and IEBC section 105.2.2. These codes require that repairs to any structure shall conform to that required for a new structure. Therefore plans are to be submitted with the permit submittal to confirm compliance and inspection of the work is required to verify compliance. Plan review and permit fees are applicable and calculated based on the applicant s declared valuation. A zoning review is required and charged hourly. A Construction Management Plan may be required based on the extent of the area of repair as determined by City Engineering.
Mike Metheny, Field Inspection Manager DATE: Sept. 29, 2010 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: October 5, 2010 Tracking of installed snowmelt square footage It is the policy of this jurisdiction that when a snowmelt system is installed it shall be noted on the Certificate of Occupancy. The total square footage figures for the installed snowmelt system will be noted on the custom field page in EDEN to facilitate easy and accurate tracking of the cumulative square footage of snowmelt systems installed on projects in the City of Aspen.
Mike Metheny, Field Inspection Manager DATE: October 22, 2010 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: October 22, 2010 Insulation under concrete containing snowmelt equipment It is the policy of this jurisdiction that when a concrete slab containing a snowmelt system is installed, R10 insulation shall be installed under the area to be snow melted or R5 insulation shall be placed under and at the edges of the slab. This insulation shall remain in place and be protected from damage for the life of the system. When existing snowmelt systems are being replaced or repaired the snowmelt system control provisions in section C403.2.4.5 or R403.9 of the International Energy Conservation Code shall not be required to be placed within the slab.
Stephen Kanipe DATE: December 27, 2007 Revised January 15, 2015 Mike Metheny APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: January 1, 2008 Tents and Temporary Structures Structures erected for a period of 180 days or less are considered temporary. Temporary structures other than tents that are 120 square feet or more and accessory to an IBC building, require a permit issued by the Building Department in accordance with section 105 of International Building Code. Structures erected for a period of 180 days or less are considered temporary. Temporary structures other than tents that are 200 square feet or more and accessory to an IRC building, require a permit issued by the Building Department in accordance with section R105 of International Residential Code. All tents are required to have an Operational Permit issued by the Fire Marshal and are regulated by the International Fire Code. Permit applications for tents shall comply with the International Fire Code Chapter 31 regarding aisle width, egress and exit illumination. Electrical wiring in a tent or a temporary structure that is open to the public requires an electrical permit issued by the building department.
The Chief Building Official is authorized to establish policies for the administration of codes adopted by the City of Aspen. This policy pertains to basements and sleeping rooms required to have emergency escape and rescue openings by 2009 IRC R310 and 2009 IBC 1029.
DATE: Mitch Miller June 26, 2014 APPROVED: Mike Metheny - Building Inspection Manager DATE: June 26, 2014 Use of Tray Cable in concealed spaces It is the policy of this jurisdiction that tray cable is an acceptable wiring method in concealed spaces in two specific conditions: #1 - When used in lighting systems of 30 volts or less as described in article 411 of the adopted edition of the Nation Electrical Code. #2 - Wiring referenced in article 725 of the adopted edition of the Nation Electrical Code for Class 2 and 3 installations.
Nick Thompson, Plans Examiner DATE: December 21, 2011 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: December 21, 2011 Accessible Operable Parts in Residential Type B Units. This policy pertains only to residential units required to be Type B units per IBC Section 1107.6.2 (Group R-2) and Section 1107.6.3 (Group R-3). For operable parts required to be accessible by Section 1004.9 of the ICC/ANSI A117.1, reach ranges in Type B units may comply with the following: The obstruction on a high side reach shall be a maximum of 36 inches in height and 24 inches in depth with an additional extension of up to 1 ½ inches of countertop overhang depth per Chapter 5 of the Federal Fair Housing Act Design Guidelines. Clear floor space complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1 Section 305 positioned for a parallel approach shall be provided.
Community Development Nick Thompson, Plans Examiner DATE: May 2, 2017 APPROVED: Mike Metheny, Building Inspection Manager DATE: Window Wells Serving Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings Emergency escape and rescue openings shall not be located directly above a window well unless the well is protected by a cover as described below. Sections IRC R310.4 (Bars, Grills, Covers and Screens), and IBC 1030.4 (Operational Constraints), permit bars, grills, covers, and screens to be placed over window wells serving emergency escape and rescue openings. It is the policy of this jurisdiction that such covers must comply with the following requirements in addition to the requirements of the adopted codes: 1. Shall be releasable or removable without keys, tools, or special knowledge, using no more than fifteen pounds of force. 2. Be sufficiently open to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases 3. Not be located in a walkway, patio, deck, or similar walking surface subject to being covered by furniture or the like, unless protected by a guard. 4. Not be located beneath a drip line subject to the buildup of ice.
. MEMORANDUM OF POLICY Mike Metheny, Field Inspection Manager DATE: October 3, 2012 APPROVED: Stephen Kanipe, Chief Building Official DATE: February 5, 2015 Wireless Interconnection of Smoke Detectors It shall be the policy of the City of Aspen Building Department to accept the installation of smoke detectors that are interconnected by wireless means as allowed by section R314 of the International Residential Code. This wireless interconnection will also be accepted in individual dwelling units or sleeping units in Group R or I-1 occupancies as allowed by section 907.2.11.5 of the International Building Code.