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Clearance Sheet C2021-005694

 Department IssuesSigned OffIntl

Plan submitted for revision to 20 pages (A-0, A-1.1, A-1.2, 2A.1, 2A-1, A5-1, TD-1, TD-2, TD-3, M-0.2, M-1.1, M-1.2, E-0.2, E-0.4, E-0.6, E-1.1, E-1.2, E-2.1, E-2.2, FP-1.2) to change the "atrium" to now call it a "communicating space". Reviewed using FFPC 7th edition effective January 1, 2021. Review by the AHJ shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility for compliance with the Code.

Reviewer: V.Vitori   
For questions regarding comments you may reach me at either: 904 209 1748 or vvitori@sjcfl.us.
To schedule fire inspections call 827 6842 (automated system).
Questions about inspections or resubmitting your plans call 209 1740x1.

 		 

RESUBMITTING:
A. Make necessary changes and resubmit everything in person to the Permit Center.
B. Once at the Permit Center swap out altered pages or insert new pages in EACH plan set (job and office). One copy of the removed/old pages will need to be resubmitted and labeled "OLD". Do not forget to remove pages for work not associated in this permit. All plan pages must be the same size.
C. Provide a response to comments along with any supporting documentation.  Response to comments is REQUIRED not optional.
- The response to comments sheet will need to include a response to each numbered comment and tell us where in the plans the comment was addressed. Ex - "top left of page A11" or "Page E1 note 8".
- Code responses shall reference Florida Fire Prevention Code 7th Ed. (not Building Code)

 		 

Comment 5 brought over from original building plan review.

Unable to locate atrium engineering analysis. Point out engineering analysis. 101:8.6.7(5)

NOTE: If a smoke control system is to be provided, make sure 101:8.6.7(6) and 101:9.3 are addressed.

Friday, August 13, 2021 Response to comments from Design Development indicate "The atrium space included in this project is limited to connecting two stories. In accordance with the exception as written in FBC paragraph 404.5, smoke control is not required for atriums that connect only two stories."

 

The Code is not requiring smoke control. I was just stating if it is to be provided point it out. What I am looking to check is compliance with your "atrium". Unfortunately I do not enforce or utilize the Building Code. If there is a corresponding section in FFPC you are welcome to provide it and show compliance with that section. Do you mean to call this a convenience opening? If so, show compliance with that section.

 

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 I met with Designer Scott Fraser. He is now going to call this an atrium and wants this space to follow 101:8.6.7.

 

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 Designer requested (via letter dated 8 18 21) a hold be added for engineering analysis (in accord with 101:8.6.7(6)) to be performed. Hold added at request of designer and oked by Plan Review Supervisor.

 

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Multiple pages submitted as revision. Unable to locate where this has been confirmed this is to be an atrium. I will review this as an atrium.

5a) Confirm this is an atrium.

5b) Unable to locate engineering analysis to determine if smoke control system is required. Point out engineering analysis     (101:8.6.7(5)) and if needed provide engineered smoke control system in accord with 101:9.3 and 101:8.6.7(1)(b)  (101:8.6.7(6)).

5c) Looks like travel distance from 3rd floor to 1st floor, through atrium, to exit will be atleast 300'. Show compliance with 101:38.2.6.3. (101:8.6.7(2))

5d) Do not see FP pages updated addressing how storefront atrium glass is to be 1 hour fire resistance rated. 101:8.6.7(1)(c)

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Response to comments indicate "

5a This is an Atrium

5b) Engineering analysis for smoke control will be performed by Neptune Fire Protection Engineering Smoke control system will be installed if required by analysis.

5c) Section 38.2.6.3 requires that travel distance to not less than one exit shall not exceed the distance specified in Section 7.6.7, which is 300ft.

There is no space on the third floor where travel distance to an exit, as defined by 7.6.1(3)(b), exceeds 300ft. even when the 36ft. of travel distance is added for the path from the interior stair enclosure through the atrium to the exit to the exterior.

Exits are enclosed, so travel distances are calculated to the point at which the exit begins, at the entrance to the stair enclosure. per Section 7.6.1(3)(B), not per Section 7.6.3 regarding open stairways or ramps. Exiting meets all requirements of Section 7.2.2

See revised and clouded Sheet A-1.3, Third Floor Plan, for travel distances to the most remove exits. (Clouded revisions have been marked "5").

MME Response to 5c: Glass will be indicated to be 1 hour resistance rated. 5d)"

Regarding 5c, FP1.2 updated design critiera to show sprinkler coverage of glass. I also spoke with Supervisor Anthony Gedris and pointed out they are already at framing inspections regarding the deadline for smoke analysis. He said he has a meeting with building owner next week and contractor.

Monday, February 27, 2023 Received revision with narrative from Designer that reads "The purpose of this revision is to eliminate the design of a Smoke Evacuation System and to redefine the open two-story open space at the building's entrance as a Communicating Space per the Florida Fire Prevention Code." Nothing provided outlining how each of the communicating space requirements met. I do not see compliance with the following:

5a) Do not see how 101:8.6.6(8) is met. Currently 1st floor phlebotomy (12203559) and 2nd floor neurology waiting area (12205106) must use the communicating space as their only exit access according to permitted exit pages and outlined locking arrangements.

5b) While occupants outside and inside the communicating space have access to a 2nd exit stair, I do not see how any occupant that chooses to use this marked exit would know the discharge through the communicating space would be compromised until someone opened the door at the base of the exit stair (that opens into the communicating space). Their only option for independent exit would require them to trek back upto the 3rd floor and over to the other 2nd exit stair. How will occupants be notified this exit is compromised prior to entering the interior exit stair or what protection will be provided? 101:7.1.3.2.2 and 101:7.1.3.2.3

5c) Plan page A-1.1 shows communicating space 1 hour walls have window glazing in them. Show that the windows are 1 hour rated. 101:8.3.3.2.2

Monday, May 15, 2023 Due to the length of this comment I separated 5a, 5b, and 5c.

 		5/15/2023 VVitori

Inspector: Make sure all interior finishes in communicating space meet the requirements for exit/exit access corridor (101:38.3.3) and remains sterile (101:7.1.3.2.2 and 101:7.1.3.2.3).

 		5/15/2023 VVitori

If there are any questions you may reach out to Supervisor Gedris at 904 209 1741 or agedris@sjcfl.us.

 		5/15/2023 VVitori

5 15 23 This is not a new comment. Due to the length of the one carried over from above I broke each 5a, 5b and 5c into their own comments to sign off.

5a) Do not see how 101:8.6.6(8) is met. Currently 1st floor phlebotomy (12203559) and 2nd floor neurology waiting area (12205106) must use the communicating space as their only exit access according to permitted exit pages and outlined locking arrangements.

Monday, May 15, 2023 Response to comments provided by Designer Scott Fraser signed 5 15 23 indicate "The Phlebotomy space is no longer proposed, and has been removed from Sheet TD-1. Doors from the Communicating Space to this area have also been removed from Sheet TD-1. Any future tenant in this space will be provided a secondary exit either directly to the exterior through a future door in the front wall of the building, or an exit which accesses the main corridor to the East exit, next to the stair enclosure. (Stair #111 as shown on Sheet A-1.1.) See potential location of future exit door on Sheet TD-1.

In Neurology, the swing of the door from Waiting Room 2A-03 to Corridor 2A-21 has been changed to facilitate egress to the exit adjacent to Exam Room 2A-31. See Sheet 2A-1. The remote latching device for this door (door type K) will be removed to enable free egress to the secondary exit adjacent to Exam Room 2A-31. See note on Sheet 2A-1 and revision of hardware indicated on the Door Schedule on Sheet2A-3. An exit sign will be added to the Waiting Room side of Door K and a directional exit sign will be added in Corridor 2A-21 adjacent to Exam Room 2A-33. See clouded revisions on Sheet 2A-1. View glass will be added to Door E, adjacent to Restroom 2A-08 to enable detection of fire/smoke in the Communicating Space.

In Cardiology, the swing of the door from Waiting Room 1 a-01 to the Main Corridor has been changed to facilitate egress to the exit adjacent to Supply Room 1A-12. See Sheet 1A-1. The remote latching device for this door (door type G) will be removed to enable free egress to the secondary exit adjacent to Supply Room 1A-12. See note on Sheet 1A-1 and revision of hardware indicated on the Door Schedule on Sheet 1A-3. An exit sign will be added to the Waiting Room side of Door G and a directional exit sign will be added in the Main Corridor adjacent to Patient Restroom 1A-15. See clouded revisions on Sheet 1A-1. View glass will be added to Door E, adjacent to Check-In 1A-07 to enable detection of fire/smoke in the Communicating Space"

The response to comments indicated a lot of stuff was changed. Looking through the plans the following was not changed:

-Phlebotomy space build out is still shown through out these revised pages.

-Neurology door swing was not changed.

-Neurology 2 exit signs were not added on architectural or electrical pages.

-Neurology Door E is an existing rated door in a currently shown 1 hour rated wall. Provide documentation from door manufacturer that allows their door to be cut and have a "view glass" installed. Typically cutting any rated door nullifies the rating.

-Cardiology door swing wasn't changed and someone then hand drew in the door swing change.

-Cardiology exit signs were not added on electrical pages.

-Cardiology Door E is an existing rated door in a currently shown 1 hour rated wall. Provide documentation from door manufacturer that allows their door to be cut and have a "view glass" installed. Typically cutting any rated door nullifies the rating.

 

5 15 23 This is not a new comment. Due to the length of the one carried over from above I broke each 5a, 5b and 5c into their own comments to sign off.

5b) While occupants outside and inside the communicating space have access to a 2nd exit stair, I do not see how any occupant that chooses to use this marked exit would know the discharge through the communicating space would be compromised until someone opened the door at the base of the exit stair (that opens into the communicating space). Their only option for independent exit would require them to trek back upto the 3rd floor and over to the other 2nd exit stair. How will occupants be notified this exit is compromised prior to entering the interior exit stair or what protection will be provided? 101:7.1.3.2.2 and 101:7.1.3.2.3

Monday, May 15, 2023 Response to comments  provided by Designer Scott Fraser signed 5 15 23 indicate "The double doors between the elevator lobby and the main corridor will be omitted to allow free egress to the East exit. Double glass doors with closers and magnetic hold open devices will be added between the elevator lobby  and the communicating space. Magnetic hold open devices will release doors upon detection of fire or smoke. This will ensure the continuity of the required smoke enclosure of the communicating space and allow visual detection of fire/smoke in the communicating space. Magnetic Hold-Open Device to be Assa Abloy 998M with 25-40 LBS holding force. See Sheet TD-1. The door at the base of the exit stair will no longer open into the communicating space since the elevator lobby will no longer be within the communicating space."

-Neither the mechanical or electrical pages show this change. Make sure electrical shows hold opens and smokes relocated.

 		 

5 15 23 This is not a new comment. Due to the length of the one carried over from above I broke each 5a, 5b and 5c into their own comments to sign off.

5c) Plan page A-1.1 shows communicating space 1 hour walls have window glazing in them. Show that the windows are 1 hour rated. 101:8.3.3.2.2

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Response to comments  provided by Designer Scott Fraser signed 5 15 23 indicate "FFPC Section 8.6.6.(4)(a) allows a smoke barrier to serve as separation of a communicating space from other areas if an automatic sprinkler system is installed. Existing walls enclosing the communicating space are constructed as 1-hour rated walls and will serve as smoke barrier. Existing storefront glass areas will also serve as smoke barriers. Existing walls in the communicating space are now indicated to be smoke walls on Sheets A-1.1 and A-1.2. Wall type WT6, smoke wall to comply with FFPC Section 8.5.3, has been added to these sheets. Smoke walls will be re-labeled as such above the ceiling."

Inspector, make sure walls relabeled.

5/17/2023 VVitori