Code interpretation is critical to fulfilling your design goals – From the design of new buildings, renovations that enhance an existing structure, or preparation of a master plan, we’ve got you covered.
Building and Fire Code Consulting
Whether it’s the design of new buildings, renovations to enhance the look and functionality of an existing structure, or preparation of a master plan, code interpretation is critical to fulfilling your goal. Ideas and creativity guide owners, developers and architects towards their vision for the project, but the building code and fire code provide the fire protection requirements for ensuring life safety is addressed. At Sparc, we look forward to providing solutions that enable your vision to become a reality.
As a code consultant, we are regularly engaged in the preparation of code reports, reviewing architectural drawings and providing creative solutions to potential challenges. As licensed professional engineers, we understand the applicable fire protection and life safety code requirements and the basis behind them. As such, we provide value to the team by being able to discuss the technical aspects of a topic as well as help the team to troubleshoot a challenge that arises.
Navigating Code
One of the more challenging aspects of a project is determining which code requirements apply to your design. This is because, while the International Code Council’s codes (International Building Code, International Fire Code, etc.) are widely adopted within the United States, there may also be State or Local modifications to those codes that have a significant effect on the design of your project. Further, many jurisdictions adopt existing building codes (International Existing Building Code) or compilations of other well-known codes which form the basis for requirements in existing building. This can be difficult for a design team to navigate.
Our services begin with the preparation of a Code Compliance Approach Report (CCAR) in the early stages of a project, which summarizes the applicable codes and acts as the project specific “building code”. Our CCAR address the fire protection and life safety aspects for the project team, which includes:
- Applicable Codes
- Occupancy Type and Construction
- Fire Resistance Rated Separations and Enclosures
- Penetrations
- Fire Protection Systems
- Means of Egress
- Fire Department Access
- Smoke Control and Specialty Systems
We also perform drawing reviews at key milestones in the project to ensure compliance with the applicable codes, identify potential non-compliance and develop solutions to solve those complex challenges. Sparc’s fire protection and life safety code consulting services help the team develop a more cost-efficient building while saving time and avoiding conflicts in the construction phase.
During instances where complex topics or deviations from the fire protection and life safety code requirements are necessary, Sparc understands how to approach local authorities. We will work with the team to develop the variance request or equivalency that closely aligns with the team’s design vision. Through our understanding of the basis for the code requirement, we’re able to explain the challenge in a clear and concise manner to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, while presenting our solution as being well thought-out and addressing the intent of the code.
Code Consulting Services
- Providing Building and Fire Code Consulting
- Performing Property Condition Assessments / Due Diligence
- Assisting in development of Master Planning
- Performing drawings reviews of architectural, egress, and life safety drawings
- Preparation of life safety or egress drawings
- Preparation of Code Compliance Approach Reports
- Developing variances or code equivalency
- Analysis of fire / control areas, maximum allowable quantities (MAQ’s) and high hazard occupancies
- Performance-Based design
- Performing Peer Review or Third-Party Reviews
- Performing Peer Reviews for Battery Energy Storage Systems
- Evaluating Code Compliance and Approaches for Battery Energy Storage Systems