July 1 was the official effective date for new Florida Building Code provisions (HB 535). We anticipated an effective date of July 8th, however we are pleased that the staff of the Florida Building Commission (FBC) was able to achieve an earlier effective date. Click here to view the document that will be sent out from the FBC to interested parties and local Building Departments. THIS DOCUMENT WILL GOVERN ALL PERMITS ISSUED.
The document may be difficult to follow. To help, each section of HB 535 that included change is framed in a BOX, with the final changes referenced in RED. The items that may be of importance to you and are now effective are:
- Clarification that certain swimming pools used for specific purposes are not subject to regulation;
- The Florida Building Code (code) requires two fire service elevators for buildings in certain circumstances;
- The location of standpipes in high-rise buildings are subject only to specified requirements;
- Requirement of fire sprinklers in restaurants with a fire area occupancy load of 200 patrons or more
- Additions of provisions to the code regarding fire separation distance and roof overhang projections
- Authorization of local building officials to issue phased construction permits
- Requirement completed building permit applications to be submitted electronically
- Exemption of Wi-Fi smoke alarms and those that contain multiple sensors, such as those combined with carbon monoxide alarms, from the 10-year, no removable, nonreplaceable battery provision and provides requirements regarding alarm monitoring system registration
- Authorization of mandatory blower door/air infiltration testing, effective July 1, 2017, and provides air change and infiltration rates
- Creation of the Calder Sloan Swimming Pool Electrical-Safety Task Force and the Construction Industry Workforce Task Force
- Allows a specific energy rating index as an option for compliance with the energy conservation code and directs the Florida Building Commission to study and determine if on-site renewable energy generation can be counted toward energy conservation goals under the code.
Should you have questions regarding the effective date or FBC provisions, please contact Douglas Buck, Director of Governmental Affairs, at dbuck@fhba.com/850.402.1852 or Rusty Payton, CEO/Chief Lobbyist, at rpayton@fhba.com/850.402.1841.