04.16.5.1 Examination. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety in accordance with Section 1104.16.5 by a registered design professional or others acceptable to the fire code official every 5 years, or as required by the fire code official. An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.
In California on January 1, 2019 SB 721 went into effect applies to apartment buildings with three or more units.
Also California SB 326, signed in 2019, applies to community associations or condominiums with three or more attached units.
Required exit accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency where the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. An exit or exit passageway shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with a means of egress.
Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety by a registered design
The examination shall determine
whether the fire escape stairways and balconies can support
pounds per square foot ( 4. 78 kN/m) An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.
The exit discharge shall provide a direct and unobstructed access to a public way
Required means of egress and required accessible means of egress shall be maintained during construction and demolition, remodeling or alterations and additions to any building.
Exception: Approved temporary means of egress and accessible means of egress systems and facilities.
Requires apartment house (including residential condominium of 3 dwellings or more) and hotel (6 guest rooms or more) owners to have
all building appendages to be inspected by a licensed general contractor, or structural pest control licensee, or licensed professional architect or engineer,
verifying that the exit system, corridor, balcony, deck or any thereof is in general safe condition, in adequate working order, and free from hazardous dry rot, fungus, deterioration, decay, or improper alteration.
Property owners shall provide proof of compliance with this section by submitting an affidavit form (provided by the Department) signed by the responsible inspector to the Housing Inspection Services Division every five years.
Fire escape stairs must be examined every 5 years ,by design professional or others acceptable and inspection report must be submitted to the fire code official.
All fire escapes shall be examined and/or tested and certified every five years by a design professional or others acceptable who will then submit an affidavit city official.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) shall approve any fire escape by Load Test or other evidence of strength (Certification).
Exit routes must be maintained during construction, repairs, alterations or provide alternative egress with equivalent level of safety. (permit issued if egress is certified or with egress scaffolding)
Submit evaluation report to owner/agent and a copy to the City Official as per code
Issue certification, if passed, done by load test or other evidence of strength to City Official or, if failed, owner/agent and city official to confirm next steps (ex. engineer oversight, permits or other conditions)
Please contact your local City Official (AHJ) with any questions about the above steps
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