rrecommended procedure to perform commercial building plan review: See Plans Review Checklist

1- Determine the occupancy classification (see occupancy main factors) which most accurately fits the use of the building.

2- What to analyze in basic physical properties of the building:

Identify any fire walls, fire barriers, smoke barriers, fire partitions, party walls or fire areas.
Determine the area of each story of each building.
Determine grade plane elevation.
Determine building height in feet above grade.
Determine the building height in stories.

3- What to analyze in basic site condition:

Determine separation distances from exterior walls to assumed and common property lines such as horizontal separation and property line.
Determine fire district location and application.

4- Determine the allowable height and area modifications.

5- Determine minimum construction type allowable for occupancy classification and building size, design, and location. Table 503

6- Verify the detailed occupancy and accessibility requirements of chapter 4 and 11.

7- What to verify the detailed construction requirements for fire protection of structural components in chapter 6, Table 601 and Table 602:

Fire walls.
Exterior walls.
Interior bearing walls.
Columns, beams, girders, trusses and arches.
Floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies.

8- Verify the detailed requirements for mixed-use separation in chapter 5. Table 508.3.3

9- What to verify in the detailed fire protection requirements in chapter 7:

Vertical openings.
Interior walls and partitions.
Protection of wall openings.
Penetrations, fireblocking, firestopping and draftstopping.
Finishes and coverings.
Insulation.
Other items

10- What to verify in the detailed requirements for means of egress in chapter 10:

Exits, such as number, arrangement, capacity and protection.
Exit access, such as arrangement, capacity and protection.
Exit discharge.
Stairway enclosure and construction.
Doors and hardware.
Illumination and identification.
Special and miscellaneous requirements.
Occupancy related requirements.

11- Verify the requirements for sprinkler systems, standpipes and fire alarms in chapter 9.

12- Review design and detailed construction requirements as related to standards in chapter 13-26.

13- What to verify in other requirements as necessary:

Use of public property in chapter 32
Elevators in chapter 30
Light, ventilation and sanitation in chapter 12
Hazardous glazing in chapter 24.
Weather protection and flashings.

 

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