The Florida Building Commission has ratified additional building code provisions which shall soon govern all building permits issued. Here’s a summary of some of the additional Florida Building Code (FBC) provisions that will be going into effect soon (possibly as soon as July 1st – check with your local building department):
- Enforcement of the FBC requirement for two fire service elevators for buildings (under certain circumstances)
- Location of standpipes in high-rise buildings are subject only to specified requirements
- For restaurants with 200 patrons or more, fire sprinklers will be required
- Additional requirements regarding building fire separation distance and roof overhang projections
- Local building officials will be authorized to issue phased construction permits
- Allowance for building permit applications to be submitted electronically
- Exemption of Wi-Fi smoke alarms from the 10-year, no removable, non-replaceable battery provision
- Mandatory blower door/air infiltration testing for residential construction
- Specific energy rating index as an alternate for energy compliance with the Florida energy conservation code.
- Special exemption considerations for swimming pools used for specific purposes